Recovery Ready Workplaces

The NYS Recovery Ready Workplace Act is Legislation to establish workplace programs to prevent addiction and support recovery in employment. It is currently awaiting the Governor Hochul's signature.

• Recovery ready workplace (RRW) programs have been initiated around the country as important interventions in the opioid/substance use disorder (OUD/SUD) crisis.

• The goal of RRW programs is to provide outreach, training, and certification to employers in cooperation with government officials, workers, labor unions, and communities to:

(a) Prevent initiation of new cases of misuse and addiction related to workplace injury and stress through primary prevention of exposure to job hazards and stressors;

(b) Support employees who are struggling and by providing access to treatment and pathway to return to work;

(c) Provide healthy, safe, and gainful employment for people in recovery;

(d) Reduce stigma around issues of addiction and recovery;

(e) Reduce absenteeism, presenteeism, and lost productivity among employees with substance use disorder.

· What Are the Benefits to the Employer?

Money saved through:

• Reduced absenteeism

• Healthier work environment

• Greater productivity

• Lower healthcare costs

• Greater workplace safety

• Employee retention and reduced recruitment and hiring costs

• Reputation in the community