Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFWs)

Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFWs) support their communities by recognizing recovery from substance use disorder as a strength and by being willing to work intentionally with people in recovery. RFWs encourage a healthy and safe environment where employers, employees, and communities can collaborate to create positive change and eliminate barriers for those impacted by addiction.

What is a Recovery Friendly Workplace?

What we do?

A Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) supports the health, wellness, and safety of its employees by educating about substance use disorder (SUD), and creating an environment conducive to the journey of recovery. Working to reduce the stigma often associated with the disease of addiction, SUDs, and recovery.

Mission

The mission of the Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Illinois is to promote individual wellness by creating work environments that further mental and physical well-being of employees; proactively preventing substance misuse and supporting recovery in the workplace.

Vision

End the stigma around addiction and foster a culture of recovery to help save lives and strengthen communities. To create safe and welcoming workplaces which supports and celebrates recovery.

About

What is recovery?

Recovery is personal, and can hold different meanings for each individual on their recovery journey. According to SAMHSA, Recovery is a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.

Elements of Wellness are: Environmental, Spiritual, Financial, Occupational, Social, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional.

Benefits to Employers

Economic
- Increase productivity (healthier, more motivated workforce)
- Less absenteeism
- Better retention/less turnover
- Increase customer loyalty
Environmental
- Community Partnerships/exposure/connection (employer standpoint)
- Strong, positive message to current and potential employees and customers
Social
- Healthier, happier employees
- Higher morale
- Support avenues for people who may need help/be at risk

National & Other States

The RFW initiative has spread across the country, with over 35 entities and 25+ states with a similar initiative to meet the needs of their communities.

To learn more about the work that is being done in other states around Recovery Friendly Workplace contact us here.

Many thanks to Samantha Lewandowski, Director of New Hampshire’s Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative, for creating this interactive map and all of her technical support.

National Strategy and Recovery-Ready Workplace Resources here.

Recovery Friendly Workplace Checklist

Submit a letter of interest to learn more about the Recovery Friendly Workplace.

Fill Out Form

Narcan Safety Training

The Naloxone (NARCAN) training course will teach you how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and administer the opioid overdose reversal drug Naloxone.

Testimonials

“My family and I have been affected greatly by the Opioid Crisis and I am very thankful for the opportunities the Opioid Crisis Dislocated Worker Grant has given me. The people I have encountered throughout have all been extremely kind and helpful. They have worked hard to find employers for me that have helped me with my job skills as well as job training. The Grant also provides help with transportation to and from work. I was hired for a position at Badge A Minit where I did a lot of general labor and I was also trained to do other tasks that supported job skills I can apply in the future. Just recently I was given a position working for The Perfectly Flawed Foundation in helping with the fight in the Opioid Crisis. They are also working to help train me for a chance at long term employment after the Grant expires. I am very grateful for this Grant and it has helped shift my life in a positive direction”