Addiction is real and is present both in homes and in the workplace. As a small business, it’s a wise idea to face the reality of this situation and come up with ways for how you can better deal with it in your office.
In fact, there are ways for how you can help employees with addiction and let them know they’re not alone and can recover. Instead of pushing them out, be there for your employees and let them know how they can get help and improve their lives when battling addiction. Set boundaries up front so that your employees know that while there is assistance out there, using drugs or alcohol also won’t be tolerated on the job or in the workplace.
Recognize the Symptoms
It’s important to educate yourself on the topic so you can quickly recognize the symptoms of addiction. For example:
- They may start to show up late or not at all
- Performance may drop
- Behavioral problems might arise
- You may notice friction between their workplace relationships
The more aware you are of these symptoms, the easier it’s going to be for you to detect if there’s a problem that needs to be addressed.
Be Understanding
One way you can help employees with addiction is to be there to offer support. Be understanding of the situation and realize that your employee is dealing with a disease or illness. One idea is to suggest they look into checking into a rehab facility such as one of the many treatment centers in Florida, and find a resource for helping them with their addiction.
Launch Supportive Programs
Another tip that will allow you to help employees with addiction is to launch supportive programs. For instance, employee assistance programs go a long way in allowing you to show that you care about the health and wellbeing of your workers. Provide hotline phone numbers and resources they can turn to if they’re fighting addiction and need assistance. In addition, consider implementing regular drug testing and offering educational programs so your employees know your stance on the matter and take it seriously.
Communicate a Firm Stance on the Issue
It’s in your best interest to avoid enabling and covering up for someone who has an addiction problem. Random tests might help you in preventing issues from arising. Even if they’re your best employee, it’s better to communicate a firm stance on the issue and not try to cover up for them. Make it clear that it’s unacceptable in the workplace, but that there are also resources available to employees who are struggling and need a helping hand.
Addiction not only affects the employee who’s involved but also your business and the other staff members. Use these tips to help you make sure your workplace is equipped to handle challenging situations such as addiction, so you can offer a safe and productive working environment for all of your staff.
