Topic 2: Why Recovery-Ready Workplaces Matter 

Recovery-ready workplaces benefit not only individuals but also organizations and communities. Employees in recovery bring resilience, loyalty, and unique perspectives to the workplace. Research shows that recovery-friendly practices can reduce absenteeism, increase retention, and foster a healthier work culture.

For example, in industries like healthcare and manufacturing, recovery-ready policies have led to measurable improvements in employee satisfaction and productivity. By eliminating stigma and providing accessible resources, organizations can unlock the potential of employees in recovery while building a culture of trust and inclusion.

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• Resource Reference: Use Case Study 1: Flexible Scheduling in Healthcare from the improved Case Studies Document to demonstrate recovery-ready practices in action.

• Resource Reference: Participants are encouraged to reflect on their organization’s strengths and gaps using the Recovery Readiness Survey.

Independently of a broader local or state-level initiative, as an employer, you can establish partnerships with local treatment providers, recovery community organizations, recovery residences, and social service providers who may be able to support new hires in recovery and employees returning to the workplace following treatment.

US department of Labor