As you are well aware, addiction isn’t a person’s fault. It is a disease just like any other medical condition. Therefore, it can be unfair to simply let go of a hardworking employee because they are grappling with addiction. Not to mention, most companies want to help long-term employees who have been detrimental to the success of the business. So, if you want to help your worker maintain his or her sobriety, here are the steps that you need to take:
Create a Comprehensive Company Policy
Now, in the beginning, you may have been more accepting of your employee’s addictive behavior. Thus, you may have tried to help out by hiring a drunk driving accident lawyer who is skilled in the field of dui law to help them with their case. Or, you may have let things slide. However, once your employee has begun their road to recovery, it is important to maintain a more rigid structure. This often means rewriting or creating a new company policy on drugs and alcohol. Carefully outline what behavior or actions will not be tolerated.
Put Safety Strategies into Place
It is important to protect both your employee and the company from any kind of harm. So, it may be a good idea to put certain safety strategies into place. For instance, if your employee has access to a company car, you may want to install an Ignition Interlock Device. In case you are wondering what is an Ignition Interlock Device is, the answer is simple. It is a Breathalyzer apparatus where individuals have to blow into before the car can start. So, if this device detects alcohol on the breath, it will not start.
Create a Supportive Environment
It is important that your employee understands that he or she is well-supported in the workplace. So, make sure that they have people to turn to when they are distressed. Also, make sure that their workload doesn’t interfere with any aspect of their recovery or treatment. Not to mention, for a short while after they are back at work, make sure that they aren’t stressed out too much.
Consider Drug and Alcohol Testing
One of the issues with addiction is that most people aren’t aware of the issue until it is too late. In many cases, employees may only drink to excess or indulge in drugs during their weekend. Nevertheless, this behavior can be damaging to their sobriety. To prevent their relapse from going unnoticed, you may want to implement an alcohol and drug testing policy. This way, your employee may think twice before doing anything that may compromise his or her sobriety.
Be Considerate of Your Employee’s Situation
If you are throwing parties or celebrations with lots of alcohol, it is important to think of your employee who is trying to maintain their sobriety. In such instances, you can assure them that they don’t have to attend such functions. Or, make sure that they are plenty of non-alcohol beverages for them. At the same time, inform other employees to drink moderately and to avoid any excessive consumption. I would also be wise to have the contact information of a dui lawyer you may have chose after some research, in order to be ready for any worst case scenarios.
These are all of the ways that you can help your employee maintain sobriety for as long as he or she can. In turn, they will be a happier and more productive worker.
