WASHINGTON — Six in 10 HR professionals say their organizations are no more prepared to support employees in recovery than they were a year ago, including 13% who say their organizations are actually less prepared, according to new research from HRCI®.
"When an employee asks for help, an organization should already know what happens next," said Dr. Amy Dufrane, CEO of HRCI. "Too many employers are still making these decisions on the fly. HR has a responsibility to put clear policies, trained managers and accessible support in place before a crisis forces the issue."
The findings are part of HRCI's new report, Recovery as a Workforce Strategy, released during National Recovery Month. The report examines how employers can better address substance use disorder and support recovery through policies, training, employee benefits and, importantly, workplace culture.
The issue is prevalent in the workforce. HRCI found that one in five HR professionals has personally witnessed substance use on the job, yet many organizations lack a consistent approach for responding when an employee seeks help.
Among the report's key findings:
The report says managers should understand their role, know how to respond to workplace concerns, be familiar with available resources and know when to connect an employee with HR, an employee assistance program or other qualified support.
"Managers need a clear playbook for these situations," Dufrane said. "When they know how to respond, where to direct someone for help and what support the organization provides, employees are more likely to encounter a consistent process rather than uncertainty."
HRCI recommends a four-part framework for managers: recognize changes without attempting to diagnose them; respond privately based on observed workplace behavior; refer employees to appropriate resources; and reinforce confidentiality, privacy and continued access to workplace opportunities.
The report also urges employers to look closely at how employees access behavioral health benefits. HRCI recommends reviewing barriers such as prior authorization requirements, treatment delays, repeated denials and out-of-pocket costs, along with flexible scheduling, return-to-work planning and confidentiality protections for employees receiving treatment.
Workplace culture matters as well. HRCI encourages organizations to ensure employees in recovery can participate fully in professional life, including by providing alternatives to alcohol-centered networking and social events and protecting employees' ability to seek help without fear of stigma or lost opportunities.
The report recommends that HR leaders measure recovery support using data on retention, absenteeism and engagement alongside employee feedback to identify gaps and track progress.
HRCI has been certified as a Recovery Friendly Workplace since 2024. The new report builds on HRCI's previous research by focusing on how employers can put the policies, training and benefits in place to respond effectively to substance use disorder and recovery in the workplace.
The full report, Recovery as a Workforce Strategy: How HR Can Play a Leadership Role and Address Substance Use Disorder in the Workplace, is available from HRCI. Dr. Dufrane is available for interviews.
About HRCI
HRCI is the career partner for the human resource profession, supporting HR professionals and the organizations that rely on them. Through applied learning, professional connection, and globally trusted standards, HRCI helps HR thrive as the workplace evolves. For decades, HRCI has set the standard for HR excellence, building a community of certified professionals in over 150 countries. By connecting strategy to practice, HRCI equips HR leaders with the real-world knowledge to drive business forward and shape the Future of Work. Learn more at hrci.org.
About Dr. Dufrane
Dr. Amy Dufrane is a global leader in human resources and workplace management. As CEO of HRCI, the career partner for the HR profession, she brings decades of experience in human capital management and employee wellness to interviews and media appearances. Dufrane helps set the standard for HR, serving as the international secretariat for global HR standards through ISO, the International Organization for Standardization. Her honors include the Global Impact Award of Distinction from the Bowman Foundation for Workplace Equity and Mental Wellness and the Globee Award for Women in Business. She is a four-time member of the annual Top 100 HR Tech Influencers list by HR Executive magazine. Under her leadership, HRCI was named a 2024, 2025 and 2026 Top Workplace by WTOP News and the 2023 ISA Business of the Year.
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