Employees with addiction can be a big issue. Simply giving up on them may not be the answer though and finding them help to increase their productivity and unlock their potential can be rewarding not only to the company but also to oneself.
Those with addiction issues are late for work, miss it altogether, or may even have emotional issues while at the office or with other employees on the ground. While too much disruption is obvious grounds for termination, many employees have value. Some have been part of a business for years and their skills at their position are hard to replace. In such cases, addiction help is important. Employers can help good employees find the help they need. In addition, employees who see their work value reducing because of addiction issues, need to rectify their issue and find better ways to cope with stress and other issues to avoid losing a good position and pay.
The article, “A guide to helping employees with addiction” from SHP takes an in-depth look on how to help troubled employees through a variety of ways. The article lists a variety of signs that addiction may exist within an employee and what to look out for in the behavior of an employee. The article also looks at ways one can help the employee find the necessary help and action to rectify the situation. Policies for on employee must be universal for all. In addition, the article looks at ways as an organization, addiction prevention can be applied for individuals. In regards to identifying signs of addiction, the article states,
“Being able to identify the signs and symptoms of addiction will enable the implementation of your companies safety policy to mitigate the impact on other employees and your organisation whilst being able to offer support and assistance to the person suffering from addiction:”
“A guide to helping employees with addiction”. SHP.
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Commentary
The presence of addiction in an employee may manifest itself through various behavioural and physiological symptoms. These can include, but are not limited to, a decrease in productivity, impaired decision-making capabilities, increased absenteeism, physical health issues such as poor nutrition and weight loss, withdrawal from social activities and emotional responses such as irritability and mood swings.
Helping an Employee with Addiction
In order to assist an employee who is suffering from addiction, it is imperative to employ a holistic approach which includes both educational and therapeutic components. This could include providing resources for the individual that offers psychoeducation about addiction, as well as offering referrals for addiction counseling or support groups. Additionally, workplace accommodations such as flexible scheduling or modified duties may be employed in order to ensure an environment conducive to recovery.
In addition, it is important to begin by engaging in a comprehensive assessment with the individual to identify the nature and scope of their addiction. This can be achieved through a holistic approach which includes psychological testing, interviews, as well as gathering feedback from family members or other individuals close to the employee.
Organizational Prevention
Addiction prevention in the work force is a critical factor in maintaining productivity, employee morale, and ultimately the profitability of an organization. It involves implementing strategies such as education, awareness campaigns, and access to professional resources for employees who may be at risk for or already exhibiting signs of addiction. By engaging in this type of intervention, employers can help create a safe and healthy work environment that reduces the risk of substance misuse and the associated consequences.
The implementation of addiction prevention seminars for companies is an effective means to address the public health crisis of substance abuse in the workplace. These seminars are designed to educate employees on the risks and consequences of substance abuse, as well as provide guidance on how to identify and address potential problems among coworkers. Such seminars typically involve interactive activities, informative lectures, and educational materials delivered by qualified professionals in order to provide participants with an immersive learning experience regarding the risks of addictive substances and effective strategies for managing their use. Furthermore, these seminars can serve as a platform to create a culture of support and understanding while promoting positive mental health practices.
Universal substance abuse policies for companies refer to a set of regulations that apply to all members of the organization and are designed to prevent and reduce the misuse of substances, such as drugs and alcohol. These policies typically involve screenings, education programs, sanctions for violations, and referral services for employees in need of assistance. Furthermore, these policies also encompass measures to prevent potential risks associated with substance use at work, including reduced productivity, physical hazards from impairment, and liability related to employee health and safety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, substance abuse in the workforce is a major problem that affects employers and employees at every level. The damage to productivity, workplace safety, physical and mental health, and employee morale cannot be overstated. It is essential to implement effective policies that identify and address substance abuse in the workplace. Employers must understand the signs of substance abuse and have an appropriate response plan in order to protect their organization from legal liability and financial losses.
Substance Abuse Counselors can help companies face addiction issues through presentations and other policy guidelines. Employees can find help individually with the aid of Substance Abuse Counselors to help better cope with work stress. Some Addiction Counselors may be tied to a particular organization, or may be already licensed professional counselors. Regardless, many individuals need group or individual counseling to gain control of an issue.
Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
Additional Resources
“Substance abuse, dependence and the workplace: A literature overview”. Breggie Smook; Marie Ubbink; Elma Ryke; Herman Strydom. Social work (Stellenbosch. Online) vol.50 n.1 Stellenbosch 2014. SciElo. Access here
“Employed men and women substance abusers: Job troubles and treatment outcomes”. Valerie Slaymaker, PhD., etc. al. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment Volume 31, Issue 4, December 2006, Pages 347-354. ScienceDirect. Access here
“Substance abuse among nurses—Defining the issue”. Debra Dunn, RN. AORN Journal Volume 82, Issue 4, October 2005, Pages 572-575, 577-582, 585-588, 592-596. ScienceDirect. Access here