An Employer

Signs of Opioid Use

Drug Free Workplace

Prevention at Work

Recovery Friendly Workplaces

According to the National Safety Council, an average of 15.6% of employees live with a substance use disorder, with the highest rates of prescription pain medication disorders coming from people in the services sector. Workplaces with high on-the-job injury rates and/or rural locations tend to see increased rates of prescription drug misuse. There are many steps you can take to identify and solve substance abuse problems in the workplace.

The opioid crisis is particularly troubling for businesses due to increased health care costs and decreased productivity as a result of absenteeism. On average, people with opioid use disorders spend five times as many days in the hospital each year and are 4.5 times more likely to visit the emergency room. This translates into higher insurance premiums for employers.

Changes in attendance such as increased sick days or unplanned absences.
High turnover rates.
Loss in productivity.
Increased tension between team members.

Drug Free Workplace
The Drug Free Workplace hotline assists employers and unions with establishing policies, drug testing, and employee assistance/other programs.

1-800-WORKPLACE (967-5752)

https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/drug-free-workplace

EAP Benefits

Offering an employee assistance program can help address many struggles, including substance abuse, benefiting both the employee and employer.

Create a Wellness Culture

Encourage healthy choices across your workforce by providing opportunities and incentives for participating in healthy behaviors.

Educate and Engage

Invite employees to presentations or connect them with a health coach to help identify substance abuse concerns and proper care.

Encourage Routine Care

Encourage regular visits with a primary care provider to help employees safely and effectively manage pain concerns.

Offer Outside Resources

External prevention and treatment resources help employees who may feel uncomfortable addressing substance abuse in the workplace.

Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFW’s) support their communities by recognizing recovery from substance use disorder as a strength and by being willing to hire and work intentionally with people in recovery. RFW’s encourage a healthy and safe environment where employers, employees, and communities can collaborate to create positive change and eliminate barriers for those impacted by addiction.

FOSTER a safe and recovery friendly environment.

In order to strengthen workplace culture, Recovery Friendly Advisors (RFA’s) will support interested companies in finding evidence-based practices to meet their individualized needs.
RFA’s will help you develop and sustain the RFW Initiative in your workplace. They are your Recovery Friendly Workplace partners; there are no charges for their services.

ENGAGE their employees in addiction & behavioral health education and prevention.

RFA’s will provide workplaces with information and resources to promote health, wellbeing, and recovery for themselves and their family members.
RFW’s will provide their employees with education and review of the company’s alcohol, tobacco, and other drug policies upon hire and on an annual basis thereafter.
RFA’s will consult with employers to plan trainings related to substance misuse, behavioral health, and addiction that are tailored to the company’s specific needs.

RETAIN healthy and productive employees.

Workplaces that implement evidence-based health and safety programming retain a healthier, more productive, and more motivated workforce.

PROMOTE prevention and recovery in their local communities.

By creating a recovery friendly environment, employers send a strong message to their communities that they understand the importance of a solution-focused approach by addressing addiction and behavioral health “head-on.”
RFA’s will assist businesses with participating in public awareness and education events in their communities. These events build loyalty between the recovery community, their allies and the designated RFW.

WANT TO BECOME A RFW?

Visit https://wishope.org/recovery-friendly-workplace/