Almost everybody agrees that supporting individuals suffering from drug or alcohol addiction is a good thing, however, many business owners and companies struggle with extending this notion to their own workplace by actively providing support, compassion, and resources to employees affected.

Instead, many businesses prefer a “zero tolerance” policy that punishes more than it helps, leaving their workplace understaffed and sending the employee on a potential downward spiral by not having employment.

In today’s article, we will be looking into how employers can create a healthy workplace environment that actively supports employees in recovery. Additionally, we will highlight a few effective steps business owners can take today to make their workplace more inclusive to those suffering from substance use disorder.

What Is A “Recovery-Ready” Workplace?

Simply put, a “recovery-ready” workplace is any working environment that not only tolerates its employees struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), but goes the extra mile to actively help them work toward their goal of finding long-term sobriety. They also work toward reducing any stressors that they are in control of that may contribute to creating or worsening employees’ substance use.

These businesses choose to see the best in their employees and invest time and resources in  them while they are either in or actively seeking recovery programs. Companies help these employees through one of the most difficult times of their lives with compassion and empathy.

This is not to say that these businesses allow employees to do whatever they want or put their team members or customers at risk. Instead, they provide a series of intentional support and people-focused policies that work to provide their employees with the resources they need at the time they need them most.

Understanding the Scale of Supporting Recovery in the Workplace

According to a 2020 survey conducted by the CDC, two-thirds of all adults suffering from substance use disorder, diagnosed or otherwise, hold jobs. This represents a population far too big to ignore or look past, and it only rises with each passing year.

These individuals work across a variety of industries, ranging from highly complex jobs dealing with billions of dollars and national security to small mom-and-pop operations scattered throughout the country. There is not a single portion of the United States that has not been touched by substance use disorder in some meaningful way.

3 Steps to Create a Supportive, Recovery-Ready Workplace 

While the steps needed to create a well-balanced, recovery-ready workplace will vary depending on the business, its employees, and both of their individual circumstances, there are a few commonalities that most of them share. 

1. Directly Address Workplace Stigma Against SUD

Stigma against those suffering from substance use disorder persists as one of the most common and damaging factors that cause feelings of helplessness and severely harm self-esteem. This, combined with other contributing factors, has prevented many from ever achieving long-lasting recovery.

Business owners can do their part to fight against this by reducing the stigma placed against those suffering within the workplace. Encourage the hiring and promotion of individuals in recovery, and allow them to speak freely about their journey and how they were able to persist through to find sobriety.

2. Create Person-Centered Policies

Making the conscious choice to see the best in people and give them the benefit of the doubt while creating workplace policies helps support those within your organization who are struggling the most.

These policies, usually centered on compassion and the core concept that people are mostly and inherently good, allow space for somebody to fail or struggle–within reason, of course–while retaining employment and enjoying the opportunity to get their lives back on track.

Additionally, many of these policies reflect the appropriate way of treating the people who work every day to make your business thrive. Think deeply about the workload your team members are being assigned, the deadlines that are being imposed, and any other factors that may initiate or prolong substance use disorder.

3. Think Long-Term

One of the most common objections to creating a recovery-ready workplace is that it is too costly and impractical for businesses and that they end up losing much more money supporting those suffering from SUD than they gain if they manage to find sobriety.

This line of thinking, however, is far too simplistic. Employees can feel when they are viewed as mere inputs and outputs on a balance sheet, and will thus be more likely to leave your organization when another opportunity arises. Recent research has also found that businesses save an average of $8,500 for every employee that they help find lasting sobriety.

Supporting them during the times when most businesses would turn the other way is one of the best ways to fight against this. Employees who find themselves being met with support and compassion while fighting against substance use disorder are much more likely to turn loyal and hard-working once they achieve sobriety.

Never Alone Recovery Is Here To Help

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, please do not hesitate to give us a call today at 844-365-4445 for a free consultation to see how we can help you begin your journey toward a healthier future.

Never Alone Recovery is an Indiana rehab facilitator with a team of dedicated, full-time addiction recovery consultants on staff who work around the clock to provide free drug rehab placement services for those in need. We find the resources you need at a cost you can afford to empower you to find long-lasting sobriety.

The mission of the Never Alone program is to offer support and unyielding compassion to those suffering from mental health issues and substance use disorder, as well as their loved ones.

In addition to this article, we have an extensive library of online resources and a 100% free online support group that meets weekly. No matter where you are in your recovery journey, always remember that you’re never alone.