A recovery friendly workplace is defined as “a place of work in which the employer establishes, maintains, and continually enhances a culture and work environment inclusive and supportive of employees in recovery from, or otherwise affected by, substance use disorders.” This is important because a majority of people either in recovery or currently battling substance misuse are employed in an organization full time.
In this previous blog, we covered the cost of substance misuse to businesses extensively. Supporting someone in recovery from substance misuse is essential for their journey towards lasting sobriety and improved well-being. For businesses, it is critical to the bottom line. Here are some of the best ways a recovery friendly workplace can provide that support.
Build a Supportive Environment
Create awareness by educating community members about substance misuse and recovery to reduce stigma and foster understanding. Encourage open dialogue. Promote conversations about recovery and mental health to normalize these topics and encourage individuals to seek help. We offer ways for companies to address this. With our Addiction Awareness Facilitator training, companies can equip their own HR and management to host these types of conversations. If that isn’t feasible, use our network to find an addiction awareness facilitator near them.
Facilitate Access to Resources
Ensuring that employees have access and scheduling flexibility to find local treatment programs, counseling services, or support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is an easy way to show support. Providing resources about recovery, including literature, websites, and contacts for local support services is the easiest investment in employees. A recovery friendly workplace is a great place to establish peer support networks.
Connecting individuals in recovery with mentors who have successfully navigated their own recovery journey could make a long lasting impact in someone’s life.
Recovery Friendly Workplace Activities
Promote engagement in wholesome activities. Encourage participation in community activities, sports, arts, or hobbies that foster a sense of belonging and purpose. It is also a great idea to create socializing opportunities for everyone that does not involve substance use, such as community picnics, movie nights, or fitness classes. This is something that can encourage supportive relationships for anyone on a recovery journey. A really forward thinking strategy is to create a recognition program. Celebrate recovery milestones, such as sobriety anniversaries, to acknowledge progress and encourage continued commitment. Develop a community program that highlights stories of recovery and resilience to inspire others.
Advocate for Policies Supporting Recovery
The most important thing that a recovery friendly workplace can do is advocate for policies that promote mental health and substance misuse recovery, such as funding for treatment programs and access to mental health care. You can find resources and historical information about the establishment of Recovery Friendly Workplaces here.
In conclusion, a recovery friendly workplace with this type of support can play a pivotal role in the recovery journey of individuals facing substance misuse. By fostering understanding, providing resources, and creating a nurturing environment, workplaces can help individuals build healthier, substance-free lives.
We help companies talk about and manage the things no one else wants to.
Check out the RFW Institute, our latest initiative.
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