Nio DiPietrantonio, a seasoned hospitality leader and mental health advocate, shares insights from over seventeen years in the industry. As a champion for mental health awareness, Nio is dedicated to empowering hospitality professionals with the resources they need to thrive.
Imagine stepping into a workplace where empathy and understanding are at the forefront, where every employee feels supported in their personal and professional journey. This is the essence of a recovery-friendly workplace, a space where businesses not only thrive, but also help their people flourish. From enhancing well-being to boosting team morale, making your workplace recovery-friendly is a decision that resonates far beyond the office walls.
In the hospitality industry, where the fast-paced environment and nightlife culture often intersect, substance use can become a silent struggle for many workers. With 46 million Americans grappling with substance use and recovery, and 1 in 5 hospitality workers affected, the need for supportive, recovery-friendly workplaces has never been more crucial. The ongoing opioid epidemic only exacerbates these challenges, highlighting the urgency for businesses to step up and provide the necessary support.
Here are 7 Reasons Why Your Business, especially if you own a hospitality business, should be a certified Recovery-Friendly Workplace:
1. Enhance employee well-being
Creating a recovery-friendly workplace is a commitment to your employees' overall well-being. By offering support and resources, businesses can help employees on their recovery journey, leading to improved mental and physical health. It's essential to reach out to those who may be silently suffering, whether from alcohol or drug use, and provide a safe space for recovery.
2. Reduce turnover & increase retention
Supportive workplaces foster loyalty. Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to stay, reducing turnover and the associated costs of recruitment and training. Investing in your employees' recovery can lead to a more stable and committed workforce.
3. Improve workplace safety
Addressing substance use issues directly contributes to a safer work environment. By supporting recovery, businesses can reduce the risk of accidents and liabilities, creating a safer space for everyone involved.
4. Boost productivity & performance
When employees feel supported in their recovery, they are more engaged and productive. This not only enhances individual performance but also positively impacts on the business's bottom line.
5. Build a positive company culture
A recovery-friendly workplace fosters an inclusive and supportive company culture. By addressing the subtle influences of nightlife and overconsumption in the hospitality industry, businesses can enhance team morale and collaboration, creating a more harmonious work environment.
6. Strengthening community ties & reputation
Supporting recovery initiatives strengthens community ties and enhances a business's public image. By taking an active role in addressing substance use, businesses can build stronger relationships with the community and demonstrate corporate responsibility.
7. Access to free, comprehensive training & resources
Many states, including Maine, offer Recovery Friendly (Or Recovery Ready) Workplace (RFW) programs that provide businesses with free comprehensive training and resources. These programs equip employers with the tools needed to support their workforce effectively and offer assistance to employees in need. By participating in these programs, businesses can ensure they are well-prepared to address substance use issues and support recovery efforts, creating a more resilient and informed workplace. In Maine, we’re fortunate to have an incredibly dedicated team at the Pinetree Institute, headed by Brittany Reichman and the amazing individuals at The Portland Recovery Community Center. The process to become a certified Recovery Friendly Workplace is easy and low-barrier, and the training provided is hands-on. The resources are state-wide and the opportunities to learn and grow both as an organization and to contribute to the health and wellbeing of our workers cannot be overstated.
The benefits of becoming a recovery-friendly workplace extend far beyond the bottom line. It's about creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. By prioritizing mental health and fostering a culture of compassion, your business not only enhances its reputation but also contributes to a more inclusive and resilient community.
Imagine the impact of a workplace where every individual is given the opportunity to thrive, where challenges are met with understanding, and where success is measured not just in profits but in the well-being of its people. By embracing these principles, you're not just building a business, you're building a better future for everyone involved.
So, as you consider the steps to make your workplace recovery-friendly, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Together, we can create a world where recovery and success go hand in hand and where every employee feels empowered to reach their full potential.
At Serving Up Support: Maine, we're dedicated to creating a Hospitality Industry Support Network, and we're here to assist businesses in becoming recovery-friendly workplaces. If you're interested in learning more about how to make this transformation, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can foster a supportive and thriving community.
Read more from Nio DiPietrantonio
Nio DiPietrantonio, Leader & Mental Health Advocate
Nio DiPietrantonio is a seasoned professional with over seventeen years of experience in the hospitality industry, having held roles from the front lines to director positions. As the Founder and Board President of Serving Up Support: Maine, Nio is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness among hospitality workers. As well as embracing her role as an ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project, her work focuses on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and providing essential resources to empower industry professionals. Through her leadership and dedication, Nio aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all hospitality workers.
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