What is a Recovery-Friendly Workplace?
Recovery Friendly Workplace is a workforce model that recognizes recovery from mental health and substance use issues as a valuable asset. Employers who implement the RFW approach actively seek to hire individuals in recovery, support current employees, promote safe and healthy work environments, and foster collaboration among employees and community members to drive positive changes and eliminate barriers for those affected.
Becoming a Recovery-Friendly Workplace – Western Maryland
Maryland’s Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) program employs a tiered approach for employers. While MD Labor encourages all employers to engage at the highest tier, this structure allows them to participate at a pace that aligns with their current capacity.
To participate, employers must, at a minimum, complete a brief online survey and connect with their local Recovery Friendly Advisor. From there, employers can choose to engage in activities across one of four tiers. Employers can advance through the tiers depending on the starting tier as their capacity and interest grow.
Key Activity Areas:
• Updating or creating policies and practices that address the hiring, retention, and support of employees with opioid or other substance use disorders.
• Implementing stigma-reducing education programs in the workplace.
• Participating in research and data collection efforts related to Recovery Friendly Workplaces, such as completing a more extensive survey evaluation.
• Providing naloxone training for employees and ensuring naloxone is available in the workplace.
You can view a sample list of activities within each area.
The Tiers:
• Platinum: Complete the brief online survey, connect with a Recovery Friendly Advisor, and commit to adopting at least three key program activities.
• Gold: Complete the brief online survey, connect with a Recovery Friendly Advisor, and commit to adopting two key program activities.
• Silver: Complete the brief online survey, connect with a Recovery Friendly Advisor, and commit to adopting one key program activity.
• Bronze: Complete the brief online survey and connect with a Recovery Friendly Advisor.
Getting Started
If you are ready to learn more about Recovery Friendly Workplaces and how you can participate in Washington, Allegany, or Garrett County, please email: sferrare@westmdcon.org
