#5 Kirstie Settas-Jones (National Lead, Willis Towers Watson) - The perfect storm: the pandemic, substance use and why employers should focus on addictions.

#5 Kirstie Settas-Jones (National Lead, Willis Towers Watson) - The perfect storm: the pandemic, substance use and why employers should focus on addictions.

Picture this: you're an employer trying to navigate the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, only to realize that substance use among your employees is skyrocketing. That's the reality Kirstie Settas-Jones, National Lead at Willis Towers Watson, addresses in this episode of 'Mission: Recovery'. With over 25 years in corporate health management, Kirstie dives into how the pandemic has exacerbated substance addiction and what employers can do about it.

From the rise in alcohol sales to a surge in drug overdoses, the numbers are staggering. But Kirstie doesn't just outline the problems; she offers practical solutions. She emphasizes the importance of workplace programs that not only educate but also reduce the stigma around addiction. Telemedicine has emerged as a game-changer, providing confidential and remote care that can make a real difference.

Kirstie also touches on the crucial role of resiliency—how fostering this trait can help employees avoid the vicious cycle of rehab. Senior leaders, she argues, must take an active role in addressing addiction within their organizations. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the pandemic's impact on substance use and discovering actionable strategies to combat it.