Celebrating Our Designation as a Recovery-Friendly Workplace

By Amber Wright, Marketing Lead

The Foodbank, Inc. is proud to announce our official designation as an Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace. This recognition celebrates our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, empowering work environment for all employees, especially those impacted by mental health and substance use disorders. For us, this isn’t just a new program—it’s a natural extension of who we are and how we’ve operated for years. We hope that by sharing our journey, we can inspire other businesses to consider what it means to truly support employees in recovery.

What It Means to Be a Recovery-Friendly Workplace

The Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace program helps employers create work environments that offer understanding, resources, and support for employees affected by mental health and substance use challenges. This important initiative is designed to reduce stigma and expand work opportunities for individuals in recovery, encouraging a workplace culture that focuses on employee wellness.

To earn the designation, businesses are asked to implement at least five practices from the program’s recommendations. These practices range from providing accessible mental health resources to creating flexible work policies that enable employees to stay on their recovery journey while contributing meaningfully in the workplace. Our Recovery Friendly Workplace designation is a reminder that with understanding and flexibility, we can build supportive, stigma-free workplaces for everyone.

How The Foodbank Supports Recovery in the Workplace

We’ve long believed in the importance of creating an environment that respects the journey of those in recovery. Even before this official designation was created this year, we have woven recovery-friendly practices into our workplace, reflecting our belief in fair chances and in the power of support to help individuals thrive. Here are some of the ways we make recovery support a central part of our culture:

• Flexible Scheduling for Court or Probation Requirements
  We allow employees to flex time to stay in compliance with court requirements, probation, and parole. These accommodations help employees balance their commitments outside of work without the fear of losing their jobs.
• Job Security During Treatment
  Relapse is a common part of recovery, and we believe it should be met with compassion, not penalty. When an employee reaches out about a relapse, we arrange for them to receive treatment and hold their job until they’re ready to return.
• Non-Termination Policy for Incarceration
  At The Foodbank, we recognize the complexities surrounding incarceration and do not automatically terminate employees who are incarcerated, especially since there can be various reasons for detention. Our policy allows for a case-by-case review of the situation. We’re here to support our employees through their journey, knowing fair justice outcomes require time.
• Substance-Free Workplace Events
  To maintain a supportive environment, all work functions and events are alcohol-free. This policy ensures that employees in recovery can safely participate.

Additional Resources and Support for Employees

Beyond our core policies, we offer resources designed to uplift every team member’s mental, physical, and emotional health:

• Onsite Case Management and Mental Health Resources
  Our onsite case manager connects new employees to crucial resources and community support. Through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), employees have access to counseling and mental health services whenever needed.
• Life Skills and Wellness Training
  From financial literacy to conflict resolution, our life skills programs equip employees with practical tools to enhance personal and professional resilience. We also offer weekly yoga sessions to support holistic wellness and reduce stress.

The range of these programs reflects our belief in offering wrap-around support that addresses the challenges employees may face, both inside and outside the workplace.

Personal Note from the Author

As an employee in long-term recovery, I am incredibly grateful for The Foodbank’s new status as a Recovery-Friendly Workplace. This official designation acknowledges the work that has been done within our organization for more than eight years, long before the creation of this initiative. I think it’s important to note the power this work has to transform entire communities, starting with people in recovery gaining safe and stable employment. 

Meaningful connection is so important in recovery, especially in the early stages. Knowing I could attend work functions without worrying about the presence of alcohol made me feel truly supported from the moment I joined the team. Even more, I continue to have peace of mind knowing that if I ever stumble in my recovery, I won’t be punished for seeking professional help. My job would be held for me, so I wouldn’t have to choose between my health and my livelihood.

At The Foodbank, I don’t have to hide the fact that I am in recovery. My coworkers, who I consider family, celebrate my sobriety anniversaries with me. The support I’ve received over the past four years here has been uplifting and life-changing. I am proud to work at a place that truly supports me and makes a positive difference for all employees, including those in recovery. That is just one of many reasons The Foodbank is an incredible place to work.

Leading by Example: A Call to Action for Other Employers

The Recovery Friendly Workplace program is a powerful tool for Ohio employers who want to make a difference in the lives of employees in recovery. We encourage other organizations to consider how their policies and practices might be adjusted to support mental health and recovery. It starts with small steps: providing access to mental health resources, adjusting work policies for flexibility, or simply creating a culture of openness and empathy.

For employers ready to make this commitment, the process is straightforward: contact the Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace program, choose five supportive practices to implement, and take the first steps toward a more inclusive workplace. Our experience shows that these changes not only strengthen individual employees but also build a stronger, more resilient workplace culture for all.