The holiday season is often a time of joy and celebration, but for employees in recovery, it can also bring unique challenges. Workplaces that proactively foster a recovery-friendly environment not only support employees but also promote a culture of well-being and inclusion.

The holidays can be particularly challenging for those in recovery due to social pressures, especially when holiday parties and events often involve alcohol or other substances, which can be activating for individuals in recovery. These employees may feel excluded or misunderstood, especially if workplace traditions heavily center around drinking or take place in environments like bars.

Here are some ways to help all your employees feel welcome at your holiday celebrations.

1. Offer Substance-Free Celebrations: Host holiday events that are inclusive by offering substance-free options. This can include:
   1. Non-alcoholic beverages prominently featured alongside traditional offerings
   2. Activities that do not revolve around drinking, such as team-building exercises, games, or charity drives
2. Encourage Open Communication: Create a culture where employees feel safe discussing their needs. This can include:
   1. Sharing resources about recovery and substance use disorders.
   2. Encouraging managers to engage in empathetic conversations with team members
3. Ensure employees know how to access recovery resources, such as:
   1. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer counseling and recovery support
   2. Peer support groups or local recovery communities
   3. Flexible scheduling to allow attendance at recovery meetings or therapy, especially in the holiday season
4. Set Boundaries for Gift Exchanges and Celebrations
   1. Encourage thoughtful gift exchanges that avoid alcohol or substance-related items. Promote themes like wellness, self-care, or charitable giving to shift the focus away from potentially activating gifts.

By taking steps to make your workplace recovery-friendly during the holiday season, you can create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. This not only helps employees in recovery but also strengthens the overall workplace culture. Let this holiday season be a time of understanding, inclusion, and positive change.

Source:

Vandervelde, D. (2024, November 30). Substance addiction recovery during the holidays is worth it! Thrive Global. https://community.thriveglobal.com/substance-addiction-recovery-during-the-holidays-is-worth-it/