When Employers Believe in Second Chances
Many employers see a failed background check due to a history of substance use and associated criminal charges, and shut the door on a potential new employee. But what if that person is in recovery? How does that individual get a foot in the door when it’s already closed? The truth is, many employers overlook individuals in recovery who are often highly motivated to rebuild stability, purpose, and trust.
Thirty – ninety days in treatment alone is rarely enough to sustain recovery long term. Many people leave structured programs only to face unstable housing, financial stress, and limited opportunity, all factors which increase the risk of relapse. A steady job provides more than income; it creates routine, dignity, accountability, and connection. Income supports housing and transportation, while workplace relationships foster belonging and purpose. For many individuals, work becomes an essential part of maintaining recovery.
Despite this, employers often hesitate to hire an individual with a history of substance use disorder due to concerns about reliability or risk. Yet businesses participating in recovery-friendly workplace initiatives frequently report the opposite experience.1 Workers in recovery often show strong commitment, appreciation for opportunity, and a clear motivation to succeed. The greatest barrier remains the stigma, including assumptions about who people in recovery are and what they are capable of achieving. Substance use disorders affect people from every background, and when employers look beyond stereotypes, they often find capable employees eager to contribute.
Becoming a recovery-friendly workplace does not require dramatic changes. Many organizations begin with practical steps: training managers to understand substance use disorder as a health condition rather than a moral failing, creating supportive policies, partnering with community recovery organizations, and fostering a culture built on respect and accountability. Some employers, like Manthei Wood Products in Michigan, go further by helping address barriers such as housing or transportation (which you can read more about here) While that level of commitment may seem radical, the significant core principle is simple: when businesses help remove obstacles, employees are better positioned to succeed.
According to the National Safety Council, employers who embrace recovery hiring often notice stronger retention and loyalty, reducing costly turnover and retraining.1 But the benefits extend far beyond business outcomes. Supporting recovery strengthens communities. Stable employment reduces relapse risk, supports families, and helps individuals fully reenter society.2 Businesses become part of a broader public health solution while building healthier workplace cultures.
Investing in workers in recovery is not about lowering standards or taking unnecessary risks. It is about recognizing potential where others may overlook it and choosing to see people rather than past mistakes. Ultimately, it is about building workplaces where opportunity, accountability, and support coexist. Sometimes the most impactful investment a company can make is simply giving someone the chance to start again.
Wondering where to start your journey to becoming a recovery ready workplace? Start here with the U.S. Department of Labor’s “Recovery-Friendly Workplace Toolkit.”
Citations:
- Supporting Employees into Recovery - National Safety Council. (n.d.). https://www.nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/drugs-at-work/supporting-employees-into-recovery
- Laudet A. B. (2012). Rate and predictors of employment among formerly polysubstance dependent urban individuals in recovery. Journal of addictive diseases, 31(3), 288–302. https://doi.org/10.1080/10550887.2012.694604
Sources:
French, R. (2025, May 15). Northern Michigan fights drugs with jobs. Can it work statewide? Bridge Michigan. https://bridgemi.com/michigan-health-watch/northern-michigan-fights-drugs-jobs-can-it-work-statewide/
Recovery-Ready Workplace Toolkit. (n.d.). DOL. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/RRW-hub/Toolkit
Supporting Employees into Recovery - National Safety Council. (n.d.). https://www.nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/drugs-at-work/supporting-employees-into-recovery