8 minute read
A Harsh Reality Addiction in the Workplace
HOW TO HELP AND RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS
By: Robert Park
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Now that many Americans are beginning to return to their offices after working from home during the pandemic, it’s important to acknowledge the public health crisis surrounding addiction and substance abuse.
Drug and alcohol misuse rose across the country during the pandemic, and now many are left dealing with the consequences as they return to their workplace and a more normal daily routine. The impact of COVID-19 on psychological symptoms and disorders, addiction and health behavior has been substantial. This ongoing effect will negatively impact people’s mental health and put them at greater risk for chronic illness and drug addiction.
Contrary to popular belief, most Americans struggling with a substance use disorder continue to hold a job. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), more than 70% of those abusing illicit drugs in America are employed. Some people who can maintain personal and professional success despite substance abuse or alcohol addiction may be considered “high-functioning.” Functioning, however, does not mean healthy, and it is imperative that companies do not ignore the realities and repercussions of alcohol and other drugs in the workplace.
When unaddressed, alcohol and substance use disorders in the workplace are costly and dangerous for organizations, as well as individuals, as it can lead to lowered productivity, physical injuries and even fatalities. While employers’ number one concern should be for their employees’ health and well-being, it is also important for them to consider how addiction impacts the organization financially. The U.S. Drug Test Centers, which is supported by SAMHSA, report that drug abuse and addiction cost American companies $81 billion every year. Researchers estimate that the money is spent on absenteeism, health care costs and reduced productivity. In addition to the negative impacts on the health of individual employees and the organization’s financial costs, substance abuse can affect the company culture, lower morale and decrease motivation, engagement and trust.
So, how can employers take care of employees with substance use disorders and create a safe, drug-free environment?
Reduce the stigma:
Employers and employees should take the time to properly educate themselves about these illnesses to reduce the stigma and prompt societal change. Introduce an awareness program focused on substance use that includes education on appropriate and recommended ways to work with employees and family members who may be struggling with a substance use disorder. Additionally, to increase awareness in the workplace, employers should set clear drug-free policies as well as educate all employees on identifying the signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug use and the necessary steps to take when one suspects that a coworker may need help.
Know the signs:
Most people suffering from addiction will hide their drug use from employers and coworkers, making it difficult to identify the problem — especially while working from home. However, for those returning to the office, there are some signs that you can look out for. A few indicators of someone abusing drugs in the workplace may include: avoiding coworkers or irrationally blaming them for a mistake he or she made, openly talking about money problems, a decline in personal appearance or hygiene, complaints of failing relationships at home and taking time off for vague illnesses or family problems.
Screening:
Develop an employee drug testing program. Many organizations require pre-employment drug screenings for all new hires, especially in
high-risk industries such as mining, construction and public safety. Many businesses also enroll in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a national initiative of the NCADD. The EAP can point addiction sufferers and their loved ones toward community resources for emotional support and treatment. It is important to note that organizational involvement should not be about punishing employee misconduct; rather, it should focus more on finding effective ways to provide education and resources for employees and supporting them in seeking recovery.
Accessible treatment:
While some may require inpatient treatment, there are many options for employed adults who are battling a drug or alcohol addiction. Many facilities offer various treatment programs and can provide each patient with an assessment outlining their best options. For example, Luna Recovery Services, a premier addiction treatment center located in Houston, offers a few different programs, including intensive outpatient programs which can help professionals recover without taking time off from work and a residential treatment program located in a comfortable home, not a hospital, for those who need more than an outpatient setting. They also offer a partial hospitalization program for those who need a high level of accountability and assistance, as well as recovery coaching, which keeps individuals connected to the recovery community through continuous support and accountability. Additional options include twelve-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, which can also provide accountability during recovery, encouraging former users to stay clean. No matter which treatment method you choose, getting well again is possible with proper assistance.
As more people continue to battle addiction and substance use disorders, it is more important than ever for employers to focus on increasing awareness and education in the workplace as well as supporting employees throughout their recovery journeys.
About the author: Robert Park is the Founder and CEO of Luna Recovery Services as well as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. He has over 20 years of experience in the recovery treatment industry.
OVERCOMING COVID WOES:
DON’T BE AFRAID TO INVEST IN YOUR BUSINESS
By: Maria Degaine
Business owners across the globe were undoubtedly shaken when the world seemed to stop due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though they have seemingly made it through the initial blow from the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, most business owners are still feeling the lasting effects. This has caused them to be hesitant in taking the next steps. They’d rather cautiously stick to the status quo rather than take any conceived risks by investing in themselves.
In reality, now is the perfect time to invest in your business. Cerboni Financial Services offers an array of consulting solutions to empower business owners to take control of their financial and operational systems. When consulting with our clients during the pandemic, we have found that — despite initial hesitation — the ones who have taken the proper steps to strategically invest in the success of their business are the ones that have not only survived but have also been able to grow and expand.
Understand the details of your business’s financials
One of the most valuable pieces of advice we can offer owners is to develop a deep understanding of their business’s numbers. This is something a financial services business like Cerboni can help with, but business owners can also regain control on their own during unpredictable times through analyzing cash flow projections and budgets. Utilizing these tools can help business owners or management see the company and its potential opportunities from a new, different perspective.
It’s extremely important to utilize projections, such as a 12-week cash flow forecast, hourly labor cost projection, profits and losses, gross profit contribution and break-even. Analyzing sales and guest or client counts on a weekly basis also plays a huge part in budgeting, and investing in a solid POS system can track sales and offer real-time numbers, which helps with projections. Just as important as examining what’s coming in, useful projections also include knowing what payouts you can anticipate, such as expenses and payroll, allowing you to pivot as needed. Maintaining flexibility is vital when owning a business in any industry, but when you’re intimately familiar with your financial situation, you’ll notice
when things aren’t working, and you will have the opportunity to make a change.
Don’t stop at surviving; take strategic steps to thrive
Those that mastered these skills and survived during the pandemic are in an even better position for growth. We’ve found that as people feel more comfortable and look forward to going out back into the world and utilizing all sorts of services, it is the perfect time for business owners to analyze and manage costs and investments while we head into an upswing in business. We advise our clients on how to cut costs, but we also take things a step further by strategizing how to increase sales and ultimately grow. For example, many of our clients have found that this situation has allowed them to negotiate better lease terms and lower interest rates, giving them a unique opportunity to expand their market presence.
Don’t be afraid to invest in your business, whether financially through a better POS system or through the investment of your time in understanding your numbers. Of course, if you don’t know where to begin, investing in financial services is a great first step. Understanding all of these financial nuances can seem daunting, so financial services companies like ours offer assistance in understanding how to make the right investments – whether that’s through marketing and advertising, switching vendors to reduce unnecessary costs or managing operating costs – and allows you to get back to building your dream.
About the author: Maria Degaine, Co-Founder and Partner at Cerboni, has been in the hospitality industry for over 15 years. Her experience began at the well-known Sun Valley Resort in Idaho, and she later went on to open a Swiss boutique hotel in Brazil and four restaurant concepts. Degaine later moved to Houston and began investing in and opening restaurants with her husband.
