Tips for creating a supportive work environment

CrossCurrents

Tim Collins, director of Stafflink Solutions, and Mary Ann Baynton, director of Mental Health Works, offer the following tips for accommodating people with mental health or substance use issues:

Offer flexible scheduling or self-paced workloads. This is helpful for employees who are on scheduled medication, which can affect focus or energy level at specific times.
Offer a meditation or quiet reflection area. This can be a good way for all employees to relieve stress.
Offer Alcoholics Anonymous meetings onsite.
Offer time off as a reward for good performance.
Discuss accommodations that involve changing the workplace with all employees.
Welcome a returning employee with a team meeting to update the employee and to give co-workers a chance to make eye contact and conversation and to break the ice.
Offer employee information sessions about mental health and addiction. Bring in speakers who have successfully returned to work after addiction or mental health issues.