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Supporting Recovery in our Workplace

When valued employees return to the workplace sober or drug free, the benefits of recovery are clear. In most cases, there is a visible improvement in performance, motivation, commitment and overall morale. There are also reductions in accidents, absenteeism, employee theft and fraud, health insurance claims and the costs of training a new person. And for the employee themselves, there is often an accompanying sense of gratitude for being given a second chance. But for many, employees returning to the workplace after seeking treatment for alcohol or substance abuse, there is also an underline fear of judgment. Sadly, the fear of judgment is based on the stigma associated with addiction and recovery. A stigma that for the most part is based on ignorance, a lack of understanding how to communicate with those in recovery and the lack of strong visible roles of those in recovery.

Employers can help reduce the stigma associated with addiction and recovery, and subsequently reduce the fear of seeking treatment, by placing a greater emphasis on supporting recovery versus condemning addiction. By teaching management and employers how to talk about recovery, show their support for a fellow co-worker in recovery and acknowledging the importance of choosing recovery over addiction, change can occur. And by creating this kind of atmosphere, employers can send a clear message to other employers that your company believes recovery is possible and that your workplace is a safe place in which recovery can thrive.

For Employers -
When valued employees return to the workplace sober or drug free, the benefits of recovery are clear. In most cases, there is a visible improvement in performance, motivation, commitment and overall morale. There are also reductions in accidents, absenteeism, employee theft and fraud, health insurance claims and the costs of training a new person. And for the employee themselves, there is often an accompanying sense of gratitude for being given a second chance. But for many, employees returning to the workplace after seeking treatment for alcohol or substance abuse, there is also an underline fear of judgment. Sadly, the fear of judgment is based on the stigma associated with addiction and recovery. A stigma that for the most part is based on ignorance, a lack of understanding how to communicate with those in recovery and the lack of strong visible roles of those in recovery.

Employers can help reduce the stigma associated with addiction and recovery, and subsequently reduce the fear of seeking treatment, by placing a greater emphasis on supporting recovery versus condemning addiction. By teaching management and employers how to talk about recovery, show their support for a fellow co-worker in recovery and acknowledging the importance of choosing recovery over addiction, change can occur. And by creating this kind of atmosphere, employers can send a clear message to other employers that your company believes recovery is possible and that your workplace is a safe place in which recovery can thrive.