Addressing Addiction in the Workplace: Recognizing Signs and Supporting Employee Recovery
Employees are fundamental to the success of any company. A business thrives on the health, productivity, and capabilities of its workforce. Chemical dependencies can severely impair an employee’s contribution to a company’s success, leading to numerous workplace issues. These include increased absenteeism, higher incidence of accidents at work, poor judgment, escalating legal and medical insurance costs, higher illness rates, and reduced productivity and morale. Moreover, depending on the employee’s role, public safety could also be at risk.
Addiction affects all areas of an individual’s life, necessitating a multi-level approach to address the issue, including intervention in the workplace. The advantages of managing addiction and facilitating treatment are significant. They range from enhanced job performance and motivation to improved morale and greater customer satisfaction.
Signs of addiction in the workplace include:
- Changes in attendance or job performance
- Altered personal appearance
- Mood swings or shifts in attitude
- Withdrawal from responsibilities or colleagues
- Unusual behavioral patterns
- Defensive behavior related to the addiction
If you suspect an employee is struggling with addiction—whether to drugs, gambling, or other compulsive behaviors—it is advisable to consult a professional counselor.
