Recent conversations with partners in industries at highest risk of work-related injury and overdose death have further highlighted a need for employers to create work environments that support people who use drugs and those in recovery.
Our team has been learning from the fishing and construction industries, both hit hard by opioid-related overdoses, about the crucial need for supportive employers to be more proactive. Our partners in these fields are helping us understand several key areas for further exploration and broader societal conversation, including:
Stigma Reduction:
Openness about recovery experiences helps to normalize discussions and reduce stigma, making it easier for others to seek help. Employers can create space within their organizations for normalizing discussions about alcohol and other drugs, and mental health. Many employers are offering on-site overdose prevention training, which can be a great first step in bringing explicit conversations about substance use into a workplace.
Peer Support and Personal Stories:
Sharing personal recovery stories and peer support are seen as powerful tools for creating a supportive environment for employees. In one of the building trades in Massachusetts, the union is working to develop a peer-to-peer program, highlighting the importance of peer support in recovery. Storytelling through video and in-person can build empathy and share different perspectives and experiences.
Harm Reduction:
Harm reduction approaches are key to reducing stigma and building a broader understanding of recovery that goes beyond abstinence. In the context of substance use, harm reduction includes initiatives like overdose education, medication for Alcohol Use Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder, and naloxone distribution as well as bringing compassionate support to workers who are experiencing issues with their drinking or other drug use. Our partners in construction and fishing are leading the way statewide in naloxone distribution and overdose education.
Role of Leadership and Unions:
The involvement of people in leadership roles, particularly those in recovery themselves, is crucial for driving change. In some industries, unions play a significant role in providing support and advocating for workers’ recovery needs.
Education and Training:
Ongoing education and training about substance use, overdose prevention, and recovery support are essential. Tailoring these programs to meet the needs and circumstances of different industries is necessary for effectiveness.
Resources and Tools:
Developing resources and tools to connect employers and employees with appropriate support is critical in maintaining recovery supportive workplaces. HRiA is developing an employer self-assessment tool to help employers identify their needs and connect with the right resources. The BeHERE Workplace website is a hub that can support employers of all kinds.
As we continue to learn from high-risk industries like fishing and construction, it’s clear that creating recovery-supportive workplaces is a vital necessity. By continuing to explore and expand in these areas, employers can make a big difference. Visit BeHEREInitiative.org to assess how recovery-supportive your workplace is and connect with the right resources for you and your organization.