Is Your Workplace Recovery Ready?

There are over 23 million Americans in recovery from substance abuse. Because many individuals choose to experience their recovery privately, it is important for every workplace to establish a culture and systems designed to support those in recovery. Not only are those in recovery a valuable asset to your workplace, but your workplace can serve as a valuable asset to their recovery. Additionally, many accommodations are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The most important step any employer can take to generate a recovery ready workplace is to eliminate all drug and alcohol use or distribution. Beyond that, follow these steps to support those in recovery: Provide Time: If an individual asks for time away from their immediate work duties for a recovery or wellness related activity (counseling, meetings, yoga, in-patient care, etc), provide it without any difficulty, consequences or questions asked. They are not asking for “time off.” The time spent at these types of activities will ultimately increase your employee’s productivity, not decrease it. Reduce Stress: Any steps you can take to reduce workplace stress will serve ALL employees, including those in recovery. There are many obvious stress reducing changes such as relaxing deadlines, quotas or work schedules. But there may be some less obvious changes that are unique to each place of employment , such as: increasing parking, adding a gym, or having a daycare. Find out what stressors exist in your workplace and take steps to eliminate them. Support a Clean Culture: Does your company’s social culture revolve around getting a beer after work? Is there alcohol at company functions and parties? It’s very...