Topic 2: Reflection Activity
Let’s conduct a mini training session. Feel free to refer to the graphic below for appropriate alternatives to commonly heard but negatively impactful phrases.
Review your workplace’s policies and identify areas where the language could be improved. What are some of the items you identified? How could they be improved?
Click here for an example answer:
“During our policy review, we noticed that our non-discrimination statement doesn’t explicitly include language protecting employees in recovery for substance use disorders, and our leave policy doesn’t clearly outline flexible scheduling or remote work options for those attending treatment or therapy sessions; we can strengthen these areas by explicitly referencing and safeguarding recovery needs in our non-discrimination clause, as well as clarifying accessible leave and scheduling accommodations, so employees feel supported and protected when seeking help.”
Think about your organization’s current culture. What steps can be taken to create a more recovery-supportive environment?
Click here for an example answer:
To foster a more recovery-supportive organizational culture, we can normalize discussions about mental health and recovery, educate leadership on empathetic communication, establish accessible resources such as counseling and support groups, and enforce clear policies that protect and empower employees seeking help, thereby cultivating an environment of understanding, compassion, and inclusivity.”
What training opportunities could your organization introduce to deepen awareness and foster inclusivity?
Click here for an example answer:
“Our organization could offer training on unconscious bias and inclusive leadership, host mental health and recovery literacy workshops that empower leaders and peers to provide compassionate support, create allyship programs for underrepresented groups (including those in recovery).”