Become a Certified Recovery Friendly Workplace
Build a stronger workforce by supporting employees in recovery, and their loved ones. National RFW Certification recognizes employers that put recovery-supportive policies and practices to work.
National Recognition for Supporting Recovery at Work
Certification through the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute recognizes employers that support employees in recovery from, or otherwise affected by, substance use disorder by implementing recovery-supportive policies and practices. Offered by the only body that Nationally Certifies employers, it sets national standards across workplace policies, hiring practices, benefits, and education. Organizations that achieve RFW Certification demonstrate leadership in reducing stigma, promoting access to recovery resources, and strengthening employee well-being.
Build a stronger workforce by supporting employees in recovery, and their loved ones.
Certification Is Built on Four Pillars
Pillar 1
Culture
Building a workplace culture where seeking help is safe, supported, and free of stigma.
Pillar 2
Hiring & Retention
Fair, recovery-inclusive practices that help employers attract and keep talented people.
Pillar 3
Benefits
Health and workplace benefits that treat recovery at parity with other chronic conditions.
Pillar 4
Education & Awareness
Ongoing training that equips managers and teams to recognize and respond with confidence.
The Certification Process
A clear, supported path from first interest to National Certification.
Learn & Assess
Submit an interest form, attend an orientation, and receive a readiness assessment to aid in reviewing your current landscape of resources.
Implement
Adopt key Recovery Friendly practices across the Four Pillars:
- ✓Culture
- ✓Hiring & Retention
- ✓Benefits
- ✓Education & Awareness
Apply
Submit documentation through an online application and achieve certification, earning national recognition as a Recovery Friendly Workplace.
The Definition Behind the Certification
A “Recovery Friendly Workplace” (RFW) is a place of work in which the employer, in collaboration with employees, establishes, maintains, and continually enhances policies, practices, and a culture and work environment that are supportive of current and prospective employees in recovery from, or otherwise affected by, substance use disorders. A Recovery Friendly Workplace is a business or organization that…
Is equipped with knowledge, information, tools, and resources about SUD and recovery to help employers effectively prevent and respond to substance use in the workforce.
Recognizes stigma associated with SUD and recovery and uses education, discussion, and trainings to address and challenge that stigma.
Has equitable acknowledgment, and accompanying procedures and policies, that treats SUD and recovery the way other chronic health conditions are treated.
Provides support for employees seeking to find, or maintain, recovery, or seeking resources for their loved ones.
Establishes a culture of comfortability when there is a need for support services, whether for themselves or their loved ones, that eliminates some of the fear with coming forward.
Is Certified, achieving National Recovery Friendly Workplace Certification.
Benefits of National Certification
Certified workplaces gain recognition as industry leaders, enhancing employee satisfaction, workforce stability, and corporate reputation.
Recognition & Visibility
Use of the Nationally Certified RFW seal as an emblem of distinction.
Listing on the Institute’s website and presentations.
Joint press release option.
Promotional assistance and digital support to communicate this achievement internally and externally.
A Stronger Workforce
Reduce stigma in your workforce and among your investor, client, and consumer base.
Attract talent from the pool of people in recovery or impacted by substance use.
Community & Resources
Exclusive access to an online community platform to interact with other certified businesses.
Ongoing access to free educational webinars and emerging research.
Access to existing policy samples.
Influence & Opportunity
Opportunities to speak and showcase your programs at national forums and conferences.
Opportunities to participate in the Corporate Council or Advisory Council.
Invitation to the National RFW Employers Conference.
Become a Certified Recovery Friendly Workplace
Express Your Interest in Certification
The National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute is accepting applications for National Recovery Friendly Workplace Certification. Complete this form to indicate your interest in receiving the certification application.
The full certification application is for any employer with employees based in the U.S. Once you submit this form, Institute staff will be in contact to determine next steps on applying.
Learn More About the Standards
To learn about the research behind the standards, how consensus was built, who reviewed them, and what the standards are, review the certification documents.
Certification Interest Form
Already Know You're Ready?
Skip the interest form and go straight to the full certification application. It takes about 30 minutes and is assessed against the Four Pillars.