Human Resources
Table Of Content
Overview
Championing Change
Each year employers spend $575 billion on lost productivity, absenteeism, and presenteeism. 23 million workers identify as being in recovery from a substance use or mental health condition. Workplaces that support employee mental health and wellness can help reduce the cost burden while also bolstering overall employee satisfaction and productivity. But where to start?
Live Tampa Bayโs Human Resources (HR) Committee has compiled a list of trainings for HR directors and employers. Whether you are just curious about this new focus on employee health and wellbeing, want your employees to actually take advantage of resources already on the books โ like EAP programs — or are totally committed to ensuring your employees are healthy and happy, we have a training and resources for you. Not convinced yet?
Substance Use Cost Calculator
Businesses save money each year by supporting staff in recovery.ย
Explore the Substance Use Cost Calculator, an authoritative resource developed by the National Safety Council in collaboration with the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago (2017). This comprehensive tool offers business leaders precise data on the costs of substance use, including prescription drugs, alcohol, opioids, heroin, and other illicit substances, customized by employee count, industry, and state.
Check out these trainings to learn more
Doing good is good for business
โI found the training very interestingโฆit was a great and informative program. I would absolutely recommend it.โ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Narcan?
Narcan, also known as naloxone, isย a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids–including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications–when given in time.ย Naloxone is easy to use and small to carry. There are two forms of naloxone that anyone can use without medical training or authorization. It is available as prefilled nasal spray and injectable.(1)ย
Is Narcan Safe?
Narcan is safe. It will not harm someone if you give it to them and they are not overdosing on an opioid. If you think someone is overdosing, please give them naloxone. (1)
Narcan Liability and Legal Protections
Floridaโs Good Samaritan Act Chapter 768.13(2)(a) provides legal protection to individuals who render emergency medical assistance to those in need, including administering Narcan to someone experiencing an opioid overdose.ย (2)
To adhere to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines, policies and procedures should be developed in consultation with safety and health professionals.ย ย Organizations are encouraged to define clear roles and responsibilities for all persons designated to respond to a suspected overdose.ย (3)
Federal Laws and Regulations/Employee Protections
In the workplace there are protections for people recovering from, or regarded as having, substance use disorder. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (4)ย provide crucial protections and support for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders (5). These legal protections help to ensure reasonable accommodations and job protection for employees who are seeking treatment and/or maintaining their recovery.ย (6)
Examples of Recovery Friendly Resources
Recovery-friendly workplaces can implement various resources and initiatives to support employees in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs) and promote a culture of wellness. Here are some examples:
- EAP (Employees Assistance Program)
- Education & Training
- Support Groups & Peer Coaching (establish a relationship with a local RCO (Recovery Community Organization)
- Wellness Programs
- Participate in at least one prevention or recovery focused community event each yearย (7)
References:
3) https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2019-101/pdfs/2019-101.pdfย
4) https://sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/rehab-faq-old/fmla-and-rehab/
6) https://adata.org/factsheet/ada-addiction-recovery-and-employmentย
7) https://peerrecoverynow.org/wp-content/uploads/RFW_Toolkit_2022_03.pdfย
Resources Compiled by HR Committee Members:ย
HR Committee Members
Ginger Swanson
Grant/Project Coordinator
Career Source Suncoast
Jennifer McIntosh
Chief Talent Officer
United Way SunCoast
Michael Toney
AVP of Human Resources
University of South Florida
Bill Wiener
Chief People & Community Officer
Tampa Bay Rays
Heather Horning
Program Manager
Drug Free America
Colleen Tabala
Chief People Officer
Bankers Financial Incorporation
Sandra Williams
Director of Benefits
Tampa General Hospital
Elissa Long
Vice President of Human Resources
HCA Healthcare
Michelle Radcliffe
Senior Director of Human Resources
Orlando Health
Cristina Frisby
Founder
Comprehensive Recovery Solutions
Patsy Stills
Vice President of Administration
Ready for Life Pinellas
Discover Additional Reference Materials
The White House Challenge
Safe Project (Pledge)
Safe Workplace Initiatives / Narcan Training Video
Employing And Managing People With Substance Use Addictions
Employer Survey On Employee Support Sample
Substance Use Disorders By Occupation
Opioids At Work Employer Toolkit
The Proactive Role Employers Can Take: Opioids in the Workplace
Who is Doing it Well?
Examples of Companies Who Have Become Recovery Ready Workplaces
Further Reading