Are Your Addicted Employees Mentally Ready to Go Back in the Office?

Abstract

The idea of what it means to be an employee and part of company culture has truly shifted due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. For the past 12 months, I have been working out my basement, secluded from what it means to be in an “office” setting. The days when I could get up from my cubicle, walk over to my boss’s office, and ask a quick question were immediately replaced by increased physical isolation and scheduled Zoom meetings.

Speaking as an addict this type of change was very difficult to get adjusted to and remain engaged. Not only did my interaction and connection with co-workers decrease, but the 12 step in-person meetings that I relied upon to stay sober faced disruption and moved online, thereby significantly increasing isolation and risking my recovery.