Counterpoint: Office pools -- what are the moral and legal liabiities?

NBA, NFL, AFL, NHL, NCAA -- What do these sports agencies have in common with the work place?

Many times work sites are OK with employees engaging in activities associated with betting pools -- wagering monies on game outcomes. Interestingly enough some companies have strict prohibitions against activities on company property and during company time. Companies that have prohibitions are concerned that such activities may have an effect on

• professional integrity
• professional image
• inappropriate use of work time
• employee productivity
• an employee's struggle with issues pertaining to impulse control
• An employee's struggle with possible addiction issues of which an employer is not aware.

These six issues are by no means exhaustive. Most areas are probably influenced.

From a professional point of view, I have encountered numerous clients who struggle with addiction tendencies and included in their patterns of behavior are the betting pools at work. Although the workplace betting pool was not the only factor promoting their struggle, the behavior at work did promote the added stimulation they were seeking. When explored further, many clients reported symptoms similar to using a drug or consuming alcohol. The activity contributed to a "high" state.

A company I worked with stopped allowing betting pools on company time and on company property because they equated the behavior with providing alcohol during company functions and providing alcohol on company property. The question became "What are the possible liability issues?" and "Is what we are doing contributing to a healthy work environment and to healthier employees?"

More and more companies are taking a more assertive stand regarding their professional demeanor and being more accountable for what they do and do not allow at the work site. I professionally support behaviors that promote a healthier work environment and therefore impact families and communities in a more positive way. Actions that may appear innocent in fact may be promoting a person's addictive patterns.

~ Wally Allstun is the Director of Regional Employee Assistance Program which provides consultation, education, prevention and counseling services to businesses in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. Allstun is a licensed professional counselor, certified employee assistance professional and a substance abuse professional as defined by the federal Department of Transprtation.