Supporting Recovery in the Workplace

Community

In any workplace, the well-being of employees is crucial to maintaining safety, productivity, and morale. For those working in physically demanding and high-risk industries like ours, it’s especially important to address the unique challenges that substance use disorders (SUDs) can present. With teams who provide top-tier material handling solutions, you understand the value of a strong, healthy workforce. Supporting recovery in the workplace is not just about compliance—it’s about fostering a culture that upholds safety, family, integrity, craftsmanship, service, and collaboration.

Road to Recovery in the Workplace from CraneWerks, Inc.

Addressing Stigma Surrounding Recovery in the Workplace

One of the biggest challenges in supporting employees with SUDs is the stigma that often surrounds substance use. This stigma can prevent employees from seeking the help they need, leading to a cycle of silence and suffering. Words have power, and the way we talk about addiction matters. When labels like “addict” or “junkie” are used, they can demoralize and isolate individuals, making recovery seem out of reach.

Research shows that shifting our language to person-first terms, such as “a person with a substance use disorder,” can significantly impact how these individuals are treated and perceived. Encouraging a more compassionate and understanding workplace can go a long way in reducing the stigma and creating an environment where employees feel safe to seek help.

Taking Action to Support Your Workforce in Recovery

Recognizing the signs of impairment and understanding the importance of supporting employees through treatment can lead to substantial benefits for your business. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that impairment can result from various factors, including substance use, stress, and fatigue—all of which can negatively impact safety and productivity.

With 61% of adults with SUDs in the workforce, the opportunity to make a difference is significant. By taking proactive steps to support recovery, employers can reduce absenteeism, turnover, and healthcare costs. In fact, each employee who recovers from an SUD can save a company more than $8,500 annually.

Here are some ways you can support your workforce:

Educate and Train

Offer education on the dangers of substance use and the benefits of recovery. Provide training for supervisors and employees to recognize the signs of impairment and understand how to respond appropriately.

The National Safety Council’s Impairment and Recognition Response Training for Supervisors is a valuable resource. The course provides frontline supervisors, safety professionals and managers with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to perceived impairment in the workplace, no matter the cause.

Promote Recovery Resources

Leverage employee assistance programs and other resources that support employees in recovery. Ensure that employees are aware of and have easy access to these programs.

The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Recovery-Ready Workplace (RRW) Resource Hub offers valuable tools for businesses looking to support their workforce. These resources include guidelines for implementing RRW policies, toolkits for getting started, and additional materials to keep you informed.
Connect2Prevent is a series of interesting, easy-to-follow lessons from the National Safety Council designed by experts to help you feel more confident talking to your loved ones about drug use and recovery. Once you sign up, you’ll receive an email lesson once a week for 10 weeks. Each lesson only takes about 5-15 minutes and has videos and links to more information to explore.
YouTurn Health is a virtual support program that bridges the gap between inaction and seeking treatment by making support accessible to employees grappling with stress, anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation, wherever they are in their journey.
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States.

Treat SUDs as a Medical Condition

Encourage a workplace culture that treats SUDs as a medical condition rather than a moral failing. Advocate for treatment plans and ensure that healthcare coverage includes support for recovery.

Resources for Immediate Recovery Support

If you or someone in your workforce needs help, several resources are available:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free and confidential support for people in distress.
National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP for treatment referrals and information.
Disaster Distress Helpline: Provides free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7, at 1-800-985-5990.
Find Treatment: Visit findtreatment.gov for online resources and information about treatment facilities across the U.S.

You play a vital role in the safety and success of the teams that rely on your products and services. By supporting recovery in the workplace, you not only enhance the well-being of your employees but also contribute to a safer, more productive environment. The commitment to values like safety, integrity, and collaboration extends beyond the products you provide—it’s about building a culture that prioritizes the health and happiness of every individual in your workforce.

From the shop floor to job sites, CraneWerks prioritizes the safety and well-being of our team because nothing is more important than ensuring everyone returns home safely. Our promise is to stand by each other through thick and thin, supporting and defending one another, never backing down in our commitment to quality and integrity. By working hand-in-hand, we forge strong partnerships and tackle challenges with resilience, extending our values beyond our walls and into the community.

Together, we create a strong foundation for success—one that honors the dignity of each person and reflects the true spirit of CraneWerks.