Supporting Your Employees Through Their Sobriety Journey

Recovery. When we use this word to mean “get better” (instead of “get back”), we can apply it to myriad experiences. We can recover from a physical injury; we may also recover from the loss of a loved one; or, as 20 million Americans may tell you, we can also recover from a history of substance use.

I got into this field for a simple reason: to help people. Through my decades of personal experience and six years of professional work at California Prime Recovery, a substance use and mental health treatment facility in Southern California, I aim to do just that.

Today, I write to share tips so that you, an important part of your team members’ journey, can provide support in a healthy way. Here are some effective ways in which employers can best support their employees who are recovering from addiction:

1. Encourage open communication

Old environments or routines can be triggering. Where networking events may have once called for a toast, we can also consider giving a toast with sparkling water. Talk to your colleague about situations that may be triggering for them before they are expected. Opening the door to communication is an important way for people to feel supported. Everyone’s triggers and comfort levels are different, so take the time to identify how they are feeling.

2. Provide education and training

Offering educational programs and training sessions can help raise awareness about addiction and its impact. Equip managers and supervisors with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize signs of addiction, provide appropriate support, and refer employees to professional resources.

3. Develop a supportive workplace policy.

Establish clear policies that support employees in recovery, including flexible work schedules, time off for counseling or therapy sessions, and reasonable accommodation for treatment needs. Ensure confidentiality and non-discrimination policies are in place to protect employees' privacy and prevent stigmatization.

4. Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

Implement or enhance existing EAPs that provide confidential counseling, referrals to treatment facilities, and ongoing support. EAPs can serve as a vital resource for employees seeking assistance with addiction-related challenges.

A few things to keep in mind when supporting someone recovering from addiction:

1. Maintain a non-judgmental approach.

Adopt a compassionate and non-judgmental attitude towards employees in recovery. Understand that addiction is a complex issue and focus on supporting employees' efforts to maintain their sobriety rather than dwelling on past mistakes.

2. Celebrate milestones and progress.

Recognize and celebrate employees' milestones and progress in their recovery journey. This can boost morale, reinforce a positive workplace culture, and provide motivation for continued growth and commitment.

3. Foster a healthy and inclusive work environment.

Promote wellness initiatives, such as exercise programs, mindfulness activities, and access to mental health resources. Encourage a workplace culture that values balance, self-care, and overall well-being to help provide a sense of community, understanding, and accountability.

Recovering from addiction is a challenging journey that requires support from various sources, including the workplace. Employers have the opportunity to play a crucial role in fostering an environment of understanding, empathy, and assistance for employees who are in recovery. By implementing these supportive strategies, employers can not only assist their staff members in their recovery but also contribute to a healthier, more compassionate, and inclusive work environment for all employees.