In recent years,
There are over 20 million Americans in recovery, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and businesses, communities, and policymakers are recognizing that
The White House has reinforced this movement by releasing the Recovery-Ready Workplace Toolkit, which provides businesses with a comprehensive guide on how to support employees in recovery. Additionally, the recently established Recovery-Friendly Institute is working to set industry standards and provide certification for recovery-friendly workplaces.
This shift in thinking is part of a larger national effort to address both the opioid crisis and its associated economic impact. Recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reveal that substance use disorders cost the U.S. economy about $442 billion in lost productivity, healthcare, and criminal justice expenses. By effectively reintegrating individuals in recovery into the workforce, businesses have the potential to improve productivity, reduce turnover, and lower costs associated with untreated substance use.
Moreover, the national economy stands to gain significantly from this integration: If even a portion of those in recovery are able to gain stable employment, it could lead to increased workforce participation, higher wages, and a reduction in government expenditures on social services.
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In my own journey, as a Plant Director intrigued by the New Hampshire Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative (NH-RFWI), I experienced firsthand the transformative power of these practices when I implemented them in my own organization. At the time, I was already four years into developing an in-house, continuous employee development program that leveraged the expertise of my top staff to mentor and train an entry-level, unskilled labor pool. When we became a recovery-friendly workplace, the synergy between the recovery-friendly practices and our ongoing development program created a "perfect storm" of socioeconomic impact.
Since then, I have learned a great deal about the impact a workplace can have when they commit to being recovery-friendly.
The value of individuals in recovery
Individuals in recovery are often driven by a deep resolve to rebuild their lives, regain stability, and contribute meaningfully to society. This determination, combined with a desire for personal growth, represents a valuable resource for businesses. However, this motivation needs to be nurtured in a way that protects it from the challenges that employees in recovery may face, whether related to stress, stigma, or skill gaps. Providing opportunities for training, mentorship, and upward mobility is critical to ensuring that individuals in recovery can thrive in the workplace.
Recognizing this potential, businesses that embrace a recovery-friendly approach can leverage the strengths of these individuals by investing in their professional development. This not only supports the recovery journey, but also transforms the workplace into a space of opportunity and growth for all employees.
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Creating an infrastructure for continuous education and development
To fully capitalize on the determination of employees in recovery, businesses must establish an infrastructure that supports continuous skill development and educational opportunities. This infrastructure should integrate both internal resources and external partnerships with community organizations. Key elements of this system include:
1. Internal mentorship and skill development: Existing employees with specialized knowledge can serve as mentors to those in recovery, helping them navigate workplace challenges, develop necessary skills, and build confidence. Assigning mentorship responsibilities to senior employees fosters a culture of learning and support, benefiting not only individuals in recovery but the entire workforce.
2. Partnerships with community colleges for customized training: Businesses can work with local community colleges to design training programs that meet specific operational needs. This approach ensures that employees receive the targeted, industry-relevant education required for their roles. In particular, individuals in recovery who may be new to certain industries or roles can gain essential skills that allow them to advance more quickly within the company.
3. Workforce development grants: To offset the costs of developing and delivering these training programs, businesses can apply for workforce development grants. These grants, offered by federal, state, and local agencies, are designed to support employee training initiatives, particularly for underserved populations. By applying for these grants, businesses can significantly reduce the financial burden of providing education and training to their workforce, while still reaping the benefits of a highly-skilled and motivated team.
Business benefits of a recovery-friendly, skill-development system
Building a recovery-friendly workplace that integrates continuous education, training, and mentorship yields numerous benefits for businesses. These advantages include:
1. Higher morale and productivity: Employees in recovery, when supported in their personal and professional growth, are likely to show increased loyalty and engagement in the workplace. A system that promotes skill development, wage growth, and career advancement fosters a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Employees who feel valued and supported are more productive, and this is especially true for those who are rebuilding their lives after substance use.
2. Shorter gap times for filling vacancies: Continuous training and skill development ensure that businesses always have a pipeline of qualified employees ready to step into new roles. Internal promotions become more seamless when employees are already prepared for the next opportunity. This reduces the time it takes to fill vacancies, which is critical in industries where operational disruptions can lead to significant productivity losses.
3. Labor cost savings: Hiring at entry-level wages and promoting from within offers substantial savings for businesses. Employees can start at the bottom, receive training through internal mentorship programs and partnerships with community colleges, and move up the ranks without the need for costly external hires. Additionally, applying for workforce development grants further reduces the overall cost of training, allowing companies to maintain a skilled workforce at a fraction of the cost.
When I applied these principles in my workplace, I saw a dramatic increase in employee morale and productivity, and a dramatic decrease in safety incidents and lost time: By 2024, we had decreased incidents by more than 50% and had no lost days in over five years. By investing in skill development programs and partnering with our local community college, we created a pathway for all employees to thrive, and our organization reaped significant benefits.
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Ensuring safety and health in the workplace
A key component of any recovery-friendly workplace is a strong commitment to safety and health. This includes maintaining a robust OSHA safety plan, ensuring compliance with workplace safety regulations, and implementing science-based ergonomic policies to prevent workplace injuries. For employees in recovery, a safe working environment is critical to their ongoing health and success.
In addition to safety protocols, businesses must prioritize effective worker's compensation procedures that also account for the specific needs of individuals in recovery. Ensuring that there is open communication between employers, employees, and worker's compensation
healthcare professionals can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that employees receive the care they need, while reducing or eliminating any lost time. This holistic approach to health and safety reinforces a culture of support that is essential for individuals in recovery.
National economic implications
By creating recovery-friendly workplaces that support long-term employment for individuals in recovery, businesses can help reduce economic burdens while contributing to economic growth.
For example, a report by the National Safety Council estimated that for every person with a substance use disorder who enters recovery, businesses can save over $8,500 annually in productivity, turnover, and healthcare costs. On a national scale, this could translate into
billions of dollars in savings and increased economic output as more individuals in recovery re-enter the workforce, earn wages, and contribute to consumer spending.
Furthermore, integrating individuals in recovery back into the workforce could boost labor force participation rates, reduce unemployment, and lessen the strain on social services such as disability benefits and unemployment insurance. By providing stable employment and growth opportunities to individuals in recovery, businesses have the potential to not only improve their own operations but also contribute to national economic stability.
Ultimately, businesses that invest in recovery-friendly practices stand to benefit from a more engaged, skilled, and loyal workforce, while contributing to broader national economic improvements through the successful reintegration and development of individuals in recovery.
