Recovery Friendly Workplace Landscape Analysis

Abstract

From the Executive Summary: "Recovery friendly workplace (RFW) initiatives have emerged around the U.S. as important interventions in addressing substance use disorder (SUD) and the opioid overdose crisis. A RFW program strives to prevent SUD by creating a healthy and safe workplace, providing support for workers who are struggling, and facilitating opportunities for people in recovery to reenter or enter the workplace. Workplace injury and stress may lead to the use of prescription opioids or self-medication to address physical and emotional pain. Understanding the status and nature of RFW programs across the country is key to realizing their potential in preventing new cases of SUD and the positive economic impact they have on employers, workers, and communities. This report presents results from a nationwide survey conducted to identify RFW program resources and to capture key characteristics including outreach, training, prevention, criteria for employers to achieve RFW status, job placement, and support for workers in recovery. The survey was conducted during the month of August 2022 by the National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training, which supports projects and activities associated with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Worker Training Program (WTP)."