Description
This course equips HR professionals with the knowledge and strategies needed to support employees struggling with addiction. Participants will learn to recognize signs of substance use disorders, understand underlying causes, and foster a supportive work environment that balances empathy with accountability. The course covers effective communication, policy development, and interventions, including guidance on managing sensitive situations and, when necessary, severing employment relationships. Through practical strategies and evidence-based insights, learners will gain the skills to protect workplace safety, promote employee well-being, and navigate complex challenges with professionalism and compassion.
Level: All Levels
Audience: Professionals across the organization, from emerging leaders to executives
Prerequisite: None
Expertise from three decades of experience as a mental health therapist treating substance use, eating disorders, and trauma.
Course Objectives
To provide HR professionals with comprehensive strategies for supporting staff struggling with addiction, identifying underlying causes, and understanding options for severing working relationships if necessary.
Demonstrate Empathy and Sensitivity: Approach conversations about addiction with compassion, respect, and understanding, ensuring confidentiality and providing support without judgment.
Communicate Effectively: Clearly articulate expectations, policies, and support resources to employees, fostering an open and supportive dialogue about substance use issues.
Build Supportive Relationships: Develop and maintain a supportive work environment by recognizing underlying causes of addiction and offering appropriate resources and assistance to affected employees.
Handle Sensitive Situations: Navigate complex and sensitive situations with professionalism, including managing policy violations and potential terminations, while balancing support and accountability.
CURRICULUM
Lecture is Alexia Georghiou teaching with each section having additional reading and links to references.
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1Free Preview and Introduction
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2Curriculum
