Beyond 'Thank You': Embracing Recovery-Friendly Workplaces
Employee Appreciation Day is upon us (March 7th)—a day when many managers hand out thank-you cards, maybe some company swag, and call it good. But let's be real: genuine appreciation goes beyond the occasional pat on the back. It's about creating an environment where employees feel truly valued, supported, and understood.
Why Recovery-Friendly Policies Matter
Trying to balance work while navigating mental health challenges or substance use recovery is like walking a tightrope in a windstorm - every step takes immense focus, and without the right support, a single misstep can feel catastrophic. Now, imagine if your workplace not only acknowledged these struggles but actively supported you through them. You’d still be walking a tightrope but maybe you’d now have one of those balancing bars and be surrounded by those big pillow things that allow people to jump out of burning buildings unharmed.
That's the essence of a recovery-friendly workplace - balance, support, and harm reduction.
By adopting policies that support mental health and recovery, we're not just checking a box; we're saying to our team, "We see you, we support you, and we're in this together."
This isn't just good karma—it's good business.
Companies that prioritize employee well-being often see:
Higher Retention Rates: People Stick Around When They Feel Cared For - When employees feel supported in their mental health and recovery journeys, they are more likely to remain with their employer. A study highlighted by the Partnership for Mental Attitude and Change (PMAC) found that businesses implementing mental health initiatives had a retention rate of 11% higher than businesses that did not.
Increased Productivity: A Supported Employee Is an Effective Employee - Supportive environments enhance employee productivity. Research indicates that up to 70% of workplace productivity can be attributed to mental well-being. Additionally, the American Psychological Association's 2023 Work in America Survey revealed that 92% of workers consider it important to work for an organization that values their emotional and psychological well-being.
Stronger Team Morale: Empathy Fosters Connection - A culture of empathy and open dialogue about mental health strengthens team morale. The same PMAC study reported that 73% of employees felt able to bring their "whole selves" to work when they believed their workplace took mental health seriously.
Reduced Absenteeism: Employees in Recovery Are Reliable Workers - Employees in recovery from substance use disorders often demonstrate exceptional reliability. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, workers in recovery have a turnover rate 12% lower than the average workforce. Additionally, these employees average nearly 10% fewer days of unscheduled leave per year compared to others. This reliability not only enhances team stability but also reduces costs associated with absenteeism and turnover.
The Current Landscape
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), more than half of U.S. adults who reported a mental illness in the past year were employed and that 75% of all adults with a substance use disorder are part of the workforce. That’s a significant portion of our working population facing these challenges daily, and Wisconsin is no exception.
In Wisconsin, the need for recovery-friendly workplace initiatives is particularly pressing:
Substance Use Disorders in Wisconsin: Approximately 8.5% of Wisconsin adults have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder, surpassing the national average of 7.7%. (Wisconsin DHS)
Mental Health and the Workforce: In February 2023, 26.2% of adults in Wisconsin reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder. (KFF)
Workforce Shortages in Mental Health Care: Wisconsin faces a significant shortage of mental health professionals, with an average ratio of 490 individuals per mental health provider, compared to the top state ratio of 290:1. This lack of access makes employer-based support even more critical. (Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health)
Given these statistics, recovery-friendly workplaces are not just beneficial—they are necessary to help employees thrive while strengthening businesses and communities across our state.
The Business Case for Support
Supporting employees isn't just the right thing to do—it's financially savvy. The U.S. Department of Labor highlights several benefits for employers who implement recovery-friendly policies, including:
Expanded labor force: Tapping into a broader talent pool.
Decreased turnover: Employees are more likely to stay when they feel supported.
Improved productivity: Healthy employees contribute more effectively.
Reduced healthcare costs: Preventative support can lower medical expenses.
In fact, research indicates that employers can save over $8,500 annually for each employee who recovers from a substance use disorder, thanks to increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs. To find out how much substance use is costing your business each year (and how much your organization could ultimately save) CLICK HERE to use The National Safety Council’s free calculator.
Steps to Foster a Recovery-Friendly Environment
So, how can we move from lip service to meaningful action? Here are some steps to consider:
Revamp Hiring Practices: Give folks in recovery or those with past legal issues a fair shot. Their experiences can bring unique strengths to your team.
Provide Robust Support: Offer resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), access to counseling, and flexible leave for those attending therapy or recovery programs.
Cultivate Open Dialogue: Create a culture where discussing mental health isn't taboo. This can be as simple as regular check-ins or workshops that promote awareness.
Educate Leadership: Train managers to recognize signs of struggle and approach situations with empathy rather than judgment.
Walking the Talk
It's easy to say we appreciate our employees. But true appreciation is shown through actions that make a tangible difference. By implementing recovery-friendly policies, we're not just improving our workplace; we're potentially saving lives.
This Employee Appreciation Day, let’s show our gratitude in a way that truly matters - by creating workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and valued.
Because when we take care of each other, we all grow stronger together. 💚
Would you like support in nurturing a recovery-friendly environment in your workplace?
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