Too often, substance use disorders go unseen due to misconceptions, personal fears, or concerns about cost and access to treatment . It’s become a significant health issue for every organization with nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults estimated to have been affected last year.
Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) isn’t just a designation — it’s a commitment to actively building policies and a culture supportive of those affected by substance use disorders. Certification by the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute requires organizations to meet standards across four areas: culture, hiring and retention, benefits, education and awareness.
Everybody benefits from recovery friendly policies — through improvement, or even reversal, of the hidden costs already mentioned. They create visibility for those hesitant to seek help, provide resources for supportive loved ones , and open new doors for industry leadership.
As Premise Health’s chief human resources officer, I’ve seen the need for supportive workplace recovery efforts grow firsthand.
After recently completing certification, we learned quite a bit about the process and it was rewarding to see that a number of our policies and practices already met the requirements. For me, the biggest takeaway was that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. So, for anyone curious to jump in, here are some practical first steps for a strong foundation.
Company culture can be challenging, since any attempt has the potential to come off as overbearing or, at worst, disingenuous. Here, small, tangible steps can really make a difference.
A “substance-free options” policy for sponsored events is an easy first step. Any time alcohol is present, appealing non-alcoholic alternatives are offered, not just water, but options like mocktails or other thoughtfully prepared beverages.
It’s a common sense and nonjudgmental way to ensure team members in recovery feel comfortable. It also recognizes that many people, whether in recovery or not, simply prefer a healthier or alcohol-free option without explanation.
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