Substance Misuse and the Workplace: Emerging Trends and Innovative Solutions (1/26/22)

Abstract

Many complex disruptions and changes have emerged within the world of work during the COVID pandemic, including the expansion and normalization of remote work, multifaceted workplace safety considerations, and reimagining how to support mental health needs of a diversifying workforce. There are also rapidly changing trends of substance misuse and how substance misuse converges with the workplace. This presents new challenges for employee assistance practitioners who provide assessment and treatment interventions for employees in need and provide support for managers and leaders who are navigating these complex organizational challenges. The presenters discuss emerging and difficult trends of employee-related substance misuse in the context of workplace environments. Attendees are encouraged to think deeply about how prepared they are to provide assessment and intervention support for complex situations of employee-related substance misuse, address workplace-related stress associated with politically-oriented topics respectfully, and constructively navigate cultural aspects inherent within such conflict.