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When recovering from a substance use disorder, working in an environment where addiction or mental health topics aren’t discussed can feel isolating. This can make connecting with others difficult, further impacting well-being and causing additional issues, such as reduced motivation and work performance. However, when companies implement recovery-ready workplace policies, they send the message that all employees matter, regardless of their struggles.
Many employers, including Amazon and Google, have adopted recovery-friendly policies to create supportive work environments for employees facing addiction issues. Explore how recovery-ready policies can improve your employees’ well-being and how to successfully implement them in your workplace.
Importance of Supporting Employees in Recovery
There’s a common misconception that people struggling with addiction can’t maintain a job. However, the CDC reports that about 70% of adults with a substance use disorder are employed, representing 9% of the total workforce.
Substance abuse is a widespread issue in the United States, especially in the midst of the opioid epidemic. But when people feel like they have a purpose, which is something a job can provide, they may be more inclined to avoid drugs or alcohol. This is where workplace recovery programs can help.
Supporting employees in recovery is crucial in improving productivity, engagement and satisfaction in the workplace. It can also reduce employee absenteeism and turnover rates. When your employees in recovery have access to a safe, judgment-free work environment, they may refrain from returning to substance abuse, enhancing their value to the workplace and society.
Key Components of a Recovery-Ready Workplace
The recovery-ready workplace initiative was developed through the National Drug Control Policy to combat the opioid epidemic. Its goal is to create a network of support services to help individuals in recovery access employment opportunities, seek treatment, find purpose and contribute meaningfully to society.
Key components of an effective recovery-ready workplace include:
- Policies and practices that expand employment opportunities
- Strategies to reduce the risk of substance abuse, including educational resources, workshops and prevention techniques
- Encouragement to seek help for substance abuse and access to services, including treatment, mutual aid and recovery support
- Information on the right to reasonable accommodations and other protections that help employees in recovery maintain jobs
- Education on substance abuse and recovery at all levels of an organization to reduce stigma and encourage open, productive conversations
- Transparency about recovery-ready policies and employee access to relevant resources
Although each workplace operates differently, these components serve as a blueprint to help companies adopt policies that address their specific needs.
Benefits of a Recovery-Ready Workplace for Employers and Employees
Recovery-ready workplaces benefit employees as well as employers, customers and communities. If you’re considering implementing policies within your company, consider the following benefits.
Improved Employee Well-Being
Adopting recovery-ready policies can create a workplace culture that recognizes addiction as a treatable health condition, fostering a supportive, open-minded community. When employees feel supported and understood, they’re more likely to be productive at work, boosting morale, motivation and fulfillment. This can increase company profits and customer satisfaction with services received.
Increased Access to Support and Employment Opportunities
When people don’t seek treatment for substance abuse, it usually isn’t because they don’t want to. Affordability and fear of judgment are two main reasons for not getting help. Recovery-ready policies increase access to treatment and other support services, helping individuals maintain recovery and become productive members of society. These efforts also expand the labor force, offering more valuable candidates for open job positions.
Reduced Company Costs
Implementing recovery-ready policies can help your company reduce costs associated with substance abuse, such as health care. Research by Kaiser Permanente estimates that every dollar invested in addiction treatment saves a company $4 in health care costs. Supporting employees in recovery can also reduce costs from high absenteeism and turnover rates because they’re more likely to show up and stay employed.
Decreased Stigma
Creating a welcoming, supportive environment for individuals in recovery helps break down barriers to employment and reduce stigma surrounding substance abuse. These efforts can greatly impact how society views individuals in recovery, resulting in better outcomes for them in all areas of their lives.
How to Implement Recovery Support Programs
Help your employees spend recovery in a caring environment and join other companies that have already implemented recovery-ready policies. In 2022, Amazon launched an employee recovery resource program offering free virtual and in-person counseling sessions, travel reimbursements for substance use treatment and services for kids and teens struggling with addiction or mental health issues.
Additionally, Genfoot, a shoe manufacturer in New Hampshire, adopted recovery-friendly policies, recruiting workers from local sober living homes and allowing them to attend court appointments or counseling sessions on the clock. One employee recounts listening to 12-step meetings on his phone while working.
Consider implementing your own recovery support program to help employees in need. Explore these tips on getting started:
- Conduct a needs assessment. Determine the prevalence of substance abuse within your workforce and evaluate existing policies and support services to gauge effectiveness.
- Develop and implement policies. When developing policies, consider factors like employee confidentiality, reasonable accommodations, antidiscrimination clauses and access to treatment options. Consult a lawyer to ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
- Provide training and education. Offer training at all organizational levels, including managers and HR personnel, in identifying signs of addiction and providing employee support. Consider developing workshops and educational materials on relevant topics, including stigma reduction, benefits of addiction treatment, resilience and finding fulfillment at work.
- Foster communication and awareness. Ensure all employees understand these new policies. Launch an awareness campaign to facilitate open discussions about addiction and recovery to reduce stigma and misinformation.
- Gather and evaluate feedback. After introducing new policies, workshops and educational materials, ask for employee feedback. This can illuminate what’s working and what efforts need changes or improvements.
Join the Recovery-Ready Movement Today
Creating an inclusive environment for all employees can enhance your workplace’s productivity, engagement and satisfaction. Join the recovery-ready movement today and help your employees improve their sense of purpose and overall well-being.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, don’t wait to seek help. At FHE Health, we treat a range of substance abuse issues, including opioid and alcohol use disorders. Contact us today to learn more about our services and overcome your addiction for good.
