Topic 2: Building a Supportive Culture

While policies provide structure, workplace culture is what brings them to life. A truly recovery-ready workplace goes beyond policies by fostering an environment where all employees feel safe, valued, and supported.

A recovery-friendly culture involves:

  1. Leadership commitment, where managers lead by example and advocate for recovery-friendly initiatives.
  1. Employee education, providing training on recovery-related topics to break down stigma and increase awareness.
  1. Open communication, ensuring employees understand available resources and feel comfortable seeking support.
  1. Celebrating recovery milestones, which can be done publicly or privately depending on the individual’s preferences.

For example, recovery milestones can be acknowledged privately or publicly, depending on the employee’s preferences. Leadership must model inclusive behavior, emphasizing that recovery is a strength, not a liability.

Developing a supportive culture requires an ongoing commitment to education and advocacy, ensuring that employees in recovery are not only accepted but empowered to thrive.”

Resource Reference: Incorporate insights from the Recovery Readiness Survey to identify cultural gaps within your organization.