Workplace Support for Employees in Recovery From Opioid Use: Stakeholder Perspectives

Abstract

The dual challenges of COVID-19 and the opioid epidemic have heightened the need of Maryland workplaces for accessible resources and supports. This paper describes efforts of the Workplace PROSPER (Partnering to Reduce Opioid Stigma and Support Employment in Recovery) project team to explore opioid-related state employment needs from Key Stakeholder perspectives. Discussion revealed significant overlap between the needs identified by stakeholders and pre-existing recovery friendly initiatives in other states. However, this convening identified the need for increased training of medical professionals in communicating about work capacity and safety as well as for resources to support family members of individuals with Opioid Use Disorder and model programs for hiring individuals in recovery. Next steps include the creation and dissemination of a survey to obtain a broader base of feedback and the development of a robust set of online recovery resources for Maryland employers and employees.

Workplace Context to Prevent Substance Misuse in the United States: Associations Between workplace Policies and Employee Substance Use Disorders

“…Comprehensive workplace policies that involve recovery-friendly workplace initiatives have also been shown to reduce employee opioid use (Cooper & Bixler, 2021; Imboden et al, 2021; Osborne et al, 2021; Rosen et al, 2021). Recent research suggests that workplace cultures that reduce stigma for workers with mental health or SUD issues can serve as effective prevention measures (Roche et al, 2015; Rosen et al, 2021; Seaton et al, 2019).…”

Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths in Maryland (2018), by Industry and Occupation

“…This workshop led to a subsequent project develop a statewide toolkit to support employers who are seeking to be more supportive in hiring, retaining, promoting, and engaging employees in recovery from OUD. Through meetings with a variety of stakeholders, including workforce development representatives, treatment providers, peer specialists, and industry representatives, it became clear that there is a need for some customization of the toolkit by industry, which is underway 38 . The authors are collaborating with CPWR to address the issue of stigma in the construction industry and to identify interventions that have been successful in addressing OROD in the construction industry.…”