August 15, 2007
Addiction and substance abuse are most serious unaddressed workplace issues
Results from a national survey of more than 1,000 human resource professionals nationwide found that 67% consider addiction and substance abuse to be among the most serious problems in the workplace. Released by the nonprofit Hazelden Foundation, the survey also showed that employer policies and practices are not fully addressing the problem. Only 22% of the HR professionals surveyed say their companies openly and proactively deal with employee addiction and substance abuse issues.
Results from a national survey of more than 1,000 human resource professionals nationwide found that 67% consider addiction and substance abuse to be among the most serious problems in the workplace. Released by the nonprofit Hazelden Foundation, the survey also showed that employer policies and practices are not fully addressing the problem. Only 22% of the HR professionals surveyed say their companies openly and proactively deal with employee addiction and substance abuse issues.
Some of the key barriers that prevented HR professionals from helping employees seek treatment for their substance abuse or addiction problem included the challenge of getting employees to acknowledge or talk about the issue (54%) and 49% cited the following personal hurdles: lack of experience in identifying substance abuse and addiction (20%); lack of information on treatment options (16%); and personal discomfort in approaching the employees about the issue (13%).
Interestingly enough, the survey revealed that 56% of the HR professionals say they believe addiction among women has increased over the last 5 years. Those surveyed believe the major barriers preventing women from getting treatment are fear of losing custody of their children (75%); reluctance to admit their addiction (69%); and fear that their employers (62%) and their families (58%) will find out.
“Hazelden is committed to seeking out ways to help companies across the country address the serious issue of substance abuse and addiction in the workplace,” said Jill Wiedemann-West, Senior Vice President of Clinical and Recovery Services at the Hazelden Foundation. “We believe that by sharing these survey results we can reinforce the importance and urgency of treatment which will provide the best opportunity for lifelong recovery for those in need.”
Read the full press release from the Hazelden Foundation: Substance abuse and addiction among most serious workplace issues.
What are the root causes of substance abuse? How can an employer take proactive steps to minimize these causes?
According to WrongDiagnosis.com causes of substance abuse include: financial stress, low self-esteem and depression. Other causes such as alcoholism, divorce and relationship difficulties may also point to the same roots.
One way that employers can be proactive is to provide services, programs and opportunities for personal development to employees. Seminars and materials on personal motivation, self-improvement and empowerment can give people alternatives to drugs and alcohol.
It's much more powerful to act before there's a problem!
Provide employees with the tools to improve their personal lives, and their professional lives will be much more secure and productive. Increase opportunity and the risk of substance abuse decreases.
Treating the cause is always more effective than later treating the symptom.
Will personal power programs eradicate substance abuse problems? No; some people will fall to these temptations anyway. Not everyone will embrace the opportunity for personal change and self-improvement.
Those that do will contribute directly to your bottom line, to your organization's culture and to our community at large.
Jen, thanks for your work and for taking on such an important topic in the workplace!
Posted by
Jim BouchardAugust 20, 2007 12:00 PM
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