What is a Recovery Friendly Workplace?

“A “Recovery Friendly Workplace” (RFW) is a place of work in which the employer, in collaboration with employees, establishes, maintains, and continually enhances policies, practices, and a culture and work environment that are supportive of current and prospective employees in recovery from, or otherwise affected by, substance use disorders.”

National Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative and Global Recovery Initiatives Foundation

What are the benefits of being a Recovery Friendly Workplace?

• Increased talent attraction & retention

• Increased EAP utilization, employee health, and earlier interventions

• Increased productivity and customer loyalty

• Decreased workplace injuries and incidents

• Decreased absenteeism & presenteeism

• Decreased health care, disability, and workers’ compensation expenses
  

How much does it cost to become a certified Recovery Friendly Workplace?

There are currently no costs for employers to become certified Recovery Friendly Workplaces. Resources and assistance provided by VAMHAR is done so at no cost to employers. Support and guidance will be provided throughout the process of preparing for and attaining certification.

How long does it take to become a certified Recovery Friendly Workplace?

The timeline varies depending on a workplace’s starting point and pace at which it moves through the program, with a goal of submitting for certification 6 - 12 months after kickoff.

What support does VAMHAR provide in the Recovery Friendly Workplace certification program?

Although much of the program is asynchronous, employers are not expected to navigate the process without support.

VAMHAR provides:

• An onboarding meeting for the leadership or implementation team

• Asynchronous learning and guided reflection activities

• Three required live learning and peer-connection sessions

• Practical tools, examples, and workplace resources

• Guidance on certification requirements and documentation

• Opportunities to ask questions and receive assistance

• Connections to recovery resources and the wider community of participating employers

The goal is to provide enough structure and support to keep the work moving while allowing each organization to make decisions that fit its own workplace.

What is the difference between a Recovery Ready and a Recovery Friendly Workplace?

Recovery Ready and Recovery Friendly are synonymous, the two terms can be used interchangeably.

How does an employer become a certified Recovery Friendly Workplace?

Becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace begins with filling out an online letter of interest. This will prompt a meeting with a VAMHAR RFW advisor who will guide you through the process of becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace.

What certification does not require:

Becoming certified does not require an employer to:

• Have a perfect workplace

• Complete every possible recovery-friendly action

• Implement the same practices as every other employer

• Ask employees to disclose personal experiences

• Permit substance use or impairment at work

• Compromise workplace safety

• Eliminate appropriate drug-free workplace policies

• Ask supervisors to counsel employees

• Have a large human resources department

• Offer benefits or programs beyond the organization’s realistic capacity

• Finish the work of changing workplace culture

Certification recognizes a meaningful foundation and demonstrated progress. Continued learning and growth are part of remaining a Recovery Friendly Workplace.

What happens after certification?

Certified employers receive materials to help recognize and communicate their achievement. They also become part of Vermont’s growing community of Recovery Friendly Workplaces.

After certification, employers are encouraged to continue:

• Reflecting on employee experience

• Strengthening policies and practices

• Keeping resources current

• Educating new employees and leaders

• Gathering feedback

• Learning with other employers

• Responding to new workplace needs

Certification must be renewed every two years. Renewal provides an opportunity to recognize continued growth and identify what the organization wants to strengthen next.