Recovery Ready Workplace Series: Getting Help With Your Substance Use Without Affecting Your Work LifeRecovery Ready Workplace Series: Getting Help With Your Substance Use Without Affecting Your Work Life
The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast
In this episode of our Recovery Ready Workplace Series we spoke with HR Director Erica Williams who brings her 20+ years of experience on how to create a supportive environment for employees struggling with substance use. She also acknowledges that many employees might feel worried about the implications of getting help and lays out the groundwork for getting help in a manner that remains private. This is a vital episode for anyone attempting to navigate the often challenging experience of seeking help while working.
22:27•2 Jun 2023
Balancing Recovery and Career: HR Insights from Erica Williams
Episode Overview
- Erica's experience in creating a recovery-ready workplace
- Challenges employees face when seeking help for substance use
- The importance of employer-provided resources and protections under ADA and FMLA
- Empowerment through education and language
- Building trust and increasing utilisation of benefits
“I think a lot of the HR language is extremely complicated... when you're in a time of crisis or not being at your full capacity, some of this stuff is really hard to get through. If we break it down into language that's like, if you do this, then you do this, then you do this, then you do this, it'll say this, it'll say that, and really get people this information and show them how they can be protected, we might be able to get our utilizations up.”
How do you get help for substance use without jeopardizing your job? In this episode of 'The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast', HR Director Erica Williams brings her 20+ years of experience to the table to tackle this critical question. Erica, who works with a second chance company, shares practical advice on creating a supportive work environment for employees facing substance use challenges.
She sheds light on the often-overlooked protections under ADA and FMLA, ensuring that employees know their rights and can seek help without fear. Erica’s discussion isn't just about policies; it's about building trust, educating both employers and employees, and fostering a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness. Her blend of professional expertise and personal dedication makes this episode a must-listen for anyone navigating the tricky waters of recovery while maintaining job security.
Whether you're an employee worried about seeking help or an employer wanting to support your team better, Erica's insights offer a roadmap to a more compassionate workplace.

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