Many employers recoil at the notion that their employees may suffer from drug or alcohol problems, but the fact is that as many as 60% of individuals with chemical dependency issues work full-time jobs. That, of course, increases the likelihood that at some point some of your employees will struggle with addition issues. Should you take steps to help them? And if so, how?
Addiction isn’t cheap. Drug and alcohol problems end up costing the US over $600 billion every year. And as a majority of affected people are in the workforce, employers find themselves footing a large part of that bill – in the form of higher healthcare costs, absenteeism rates, productivity issues and even injuries and accidents.
“The fact is: Employees who receive addiction treatment services fare better at work, earn more, and need less assistance.”
So what steps should you take to help your employees move toward recovery, productivity, and better overall health and investment in life? These tips will help:
Recognize The Signs
First, get to know the signs of addiction and alcoholism. They can include over-use of sick days or tardiness, unplanned emergency situations, missed deadlines, sloppy work, and mood and behavioral changes like excessive laughter or loud talking, avoidance, and physical symptoms like bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, tremors and somnolence.
Remember Addiction Is A “health condition”
Remember that employees receiving company health insurance may be eligible to receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave through FMLA, without fear of job loss. Make sure you are educated and knowledgable on the fine print of FMLA and other employment protections under state and federal laws before you attempt to address a potential addiction problem.
Be Proactive
Even after the tireless efforts of the Medical community, the countless studies, the official reports and definitions of the AMA – an unworthy stigma still clouds the public’s perception of addiction as a covered health condition. This creates an obstacle for employees who would otherwise look for professional help. The most effective thing for you to do as an employer is to get ahead of the problem by thoughtfully, compassionately and delicately addressing the issue upfront, as opposed to waiting for employees to come to you.
What’s more, untreated addictive disorders (like other chronic diseases) will eventually call for more intensive and costly medical treatment as they progress. Immediate, proactive intervention can help spare employers from higher health costs down the road, and spare employees from pain, shame, and escalating health problems that are often life-threatening.
Ultimately, and most importantly, approaching an employee with problematic addiction-related behaviors as immediately as possible helps send the message that you recognize the problem and sincerely want to help, even as you have to maintain expectations regarding performance, presentation and etiquette. Among the most basic expectations is, of course, a commitment to a safe, drug-free environment.
Thoughtful Language
Individuals struggling with addiction issues are more likely to accept help and seek treatment when they’re encouraged to view their issue as a serious health condition, rather than a character or moral flaw. That’s because “disease language”, in addition to being an accurate description of the addiction problem, doubly reduces the stigma that so often keeps people from seeking help.
Help Them Find Treatment
And of course, it’s essential to help them find treatment. Notwithstanding the tremendous practical benefits stated above – better work, higher levels of satisfaction, higher productivity rates, reduced absenteeism, and the list goes on – your investment in helping your employees is an investment in their lives. And every good employer knows they’re only as good as their team.
If your Human Resources team doesn’t maintain a list of treatment providers, it’s time to start building the list, either through your company’s relationships or with an EAP. Reassure your employees that you’ll do everything you can to honor their confidentiality and privacy when it comes to protected health information like a decision to seek life-changing addiction treatment services.
Find Help Now
Bradford Recovery Center’s Pennsylvania Drug Rehab Centers offer comprehensive life-changing treatment services to individuals and families impacted by addiction. Nestled in the rolling hills of North central Pennsylvania, we work with employers and EAPs to provide employees with services tailored to their needs, strengths, goals and beliefs.
