At Odie B’s, a Denver sandwich shop, recovery from substance use isn’t just tolerated; it’s actively embraced. Seventy percent of their staff is actively in recovery, a testament to their commitment to creating a supportive and safe work environment. Co-owner Cliff Blauvelt, who himself has battled alcohol use for over two decades, shares that the shop strives to be a place where employees feel comfortable and supported in their journeys. One employee, Molly, credits Odie B’s with helping her focus on sobriety and rediscover her sense of purpose, highlighting the transformative power of a supportive workplace.
This isn’t an isolated case. Colorado is among over 30 states pioneering recovery-friendly workplace programs, reflecting a broader national shift in how employers approach addiction and mental health. These initiatives aim to reshape the conversation, prioritizing employee well-being and recognizing the significant economic benefits of supporting recovery. Researchers at the Centers for Health, Work & Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health are instrumental in this effort, developing training and policies to help businesses build supportive environments. Over the past three years, they’ve trained over 8,000 Colorado employees from diverse industries, focusing on understanding substance use disorders, combating stigma, and navigating workplace accommodations.
The need for such programs is starkly evident. In 2023, Colorado saw a tragic 1,865 drug overdose deaths, a sobering reminder of the public health crisis at hand. High-risk industries, such as construction and mining, face particularly high rates of substance use disorders and mental health challenges, including alarmingly high suicide rates. The economic toll is equally significant, with Colorado losing millions of work hours and billions in productivity due to opioid use over the past decade. However, the National Safety Council highlights a compelling counterpoint: employers save an average of $8,500 annually per employee in recovery due to reduced healthcare costs, absenteeism, and turnover.
Legislative support has played a key role. A 2024 bill provided crucial funding for the Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative, though recent budget cuts have presented challenges. Despite this setback, the initiative continues its vital work, focusing on small businesses – often lacking the resources of larger corporations – that are deeply committed to employee well-being. Absolute Caulking & Waterproofing of Colorado, for example, emphasizes the value of recovery-friendly policies, highlighting the time and resource savings they bring to their small, family-owned business.
The path forward remains challenging, grappling with limited funding, societal stigma, and the inherent complexities of recovery. However, the ongoing research evaluating program outcomes, coupled with unwavering commitment, fuels the belief that workplaces can, and should, be sanctuaries of healing and support. Colorado’s experience offers a valuable model for other states and nations striving to create healthier, more productive, and compassionate workplaces for all.
