To engage employers in creating certified Recovery Friendly Workplaces.
About the Institute
Our Mission
Our Vision
Envisioning a future in which employers are equipped with knowledge, tools, resources, procedures, policies, and benefits to ensure employees with Substance Use Disorder and mental health conditions, have access to treatment and recovery services at parity with all other chronic health conditions.
Who
The National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute (the Institute) is an initiative of Global Recovery Initiatives Foundation, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity that houses and operates the Institute. Visit the Leadership pages to learn more about the amazing team involved!
What
The National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute (the Institute) is a leading organization that supports employers in fostering recovery-friendly workplace cultures. We work with employers, government agencies, and community leaders to advance the Recovery Friendly Workplace movement to support individuals affected by substance use disorder (SUD).
The Institute is the only body that nationally-certifies employers as Recovery Friendly Workplaces. By equipping employers with tools to support individuals in recovery, we help businesses improve retention, productivity, and overall workplace culture.
When
The movement toward Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFWs) has been growing in recent years, with increased awareness of the importance of recovery support in professional settings. The first local initiative started under Governor Chris T. Sununu in New Hampshire in 2018. The formation of the Institute was announced in a formal White House announcement in November 2023, as the Institute was established to expand and formalize these efforts, ensuring businesses have access to sustainable and research-backed strategies available nationally.
Where
The Institute operates nationally, partnering with businesses and organizations across the United States. We collaborate with state-led Recovery Friendly Workplace initiatives, industry leaders, and communities to implement recovery-friendly practices in workplaces of all sizes and sectors.
Why
Substance use disorder affects millions of workers, impacting businesses and communities alike. By promoting Recovery Friendly Workplaces, the Institute helps reduce stigma, increase employee support, and create healthier, more productive work environments. The Institute is the center of information on Recovery Friendly Workplaces, which have proven to benefit both individuals and businesses, leading to improved well-being, reduced turnover, and a stronger workforce.