As we head into September and International Recovery Month, it is vital for HR and Wellbeing Leads to recognise the significant role our workplaces play in supporting employees experiencing substance use and behavioural addiction problems. International Recovery Month, which takes place every September is held to increase awareness, challenge stigma, and celebrate the success of those in recovery from all addictive behaviours.
Challenging stereotypes
Firstly, it’s important to note that 70% of people with substance use problems are employed, and addiction doesn’t stop at the boardroom door, meaning the workplace is often the front line for identifying and supporting those in need.
Substance use can have dire consequences, with drugs and alcohol claiming three times as many lives as suicide. Shockingly the death rate due to drugs and alcohol increased by 18% due to the impact of the Covid pandemic.
The economic impact of substance use is staggering, with alcohol alone costing over £7 billion in lost productivity annually and the connection between workplace stress and substance use is clear; 27% of employees increase their alcohol consumption due to work-related stress. This shows that addressing workplace stressors is not only a legal requirement or a matter of employee health but also a critical factor in reducing substance use problems and its associated costs.
Does your wellbeing strategy include recovery friendly practices?
Sector specific challenges
Certain industries, such as Hospitality, Construction, and Professional Services, face heightened risks, and the consequences can be severe. For instance, 40% of workplace accidents result in fatalities involving employees under the influence.
The presence of substance use in the workplace is more pervasive than many realise, with over one million people in the UK attending work with drugs in their system. This not only jeopardises safety but also affects overall workplace morale and productivity.
However, substance use often co-occurs with other challenges; over 70% of individuals entering treatment for addiction also report mental health problems. This dual diagnosis requires a nuanced approach that considers both mental health and problematic substance use. The impact of addiction extends beyond the addiction itself affecting physical health, financial wellbeing, job performance, social connections, and relationships.
Recovery friendly workplaces
Given these realities, it’s clear that workplaces have a critical role in supporting recovery as part of a holistic wellbeing strategy. By creating a recovery-friendly environment, employers can help mitigate the risks associated with substance use, promote employee health and wellbeing, and ultimately contribute to a safer, more productive workplace.
This Recovery Month why not start your journey towards better understanding addiction, supporting employees and promoting recovery by attending one of our complimentary webinars for HR and wellbeing leads.
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Read more about addressing addiction in the workplace with my latest article for Make a Difference, The Last Taboo in Workplace Wellbeing
