Modern Workplaces Do More: Why Addressing Substance Use Is a Smart Move
If you’re a small business owner, you probably wear a lot of hats: manager, mentor, HR rep, sometimes even IT support. You already know that building a successful company today means adapting to change—especially when it comes to supporting your team. One area where the modern workplace is evolving fast is how we approach substance use and mental health on the job.
You might think serious conversations about substance use, behavioral health, and mental wellness are reserved for big corporations with large HR departments and employee wellness budgets. But in today’s world, even the smallest teams need modern, compassionate policies.
Why? Because the way we work—and what employees expect—has changed. Employees today want to know that their employer cares about their whole well-being, not just their productivity. That includes creating space to talk about tough topics like stress, burnout, and yes, substance use.
Modern leadership means recognizing that substance use is something that impacts real people—people you may work with every day. It doesn’t always look like someone missing work or failing a drug test. It can be more subtle: someone relying on alcohol to decompress every night, using prescription stimulants to keep up with unrealistic demands, or struggling quietly with a dependence on marijuana.
Ignoring these issues won’t make them go away. But addressing them with care and structure? That’s leadership.
Here’s how small business owners can modernize their workplace by making room for this kind of support:
1. Update Your Workplace Culture, Not Just Your Tech
You wouldn’t run your business on a five-year-old software system. So why stick with outdated workplace norms around health and performance?
A modern workplace recognizes that stress, mental health, and substance use challenges are part of the human experience—and responds with resources, not judgment. Whether that’s offering access to support programs or simply encouraging open dialogue, small steps make a big difference.
2. Create a Clear, Supportive Policy
Yes, even small businesses should have a written policy about substance use. Not to scare people—but to protect them. A good policy:
- Explains your company’s stance (supportive, not punitive)
- Details how employees can seek help confidentially
- Trains supervisors to spot concerns and respond appropriately
- Builds in support and resources—like referrals, time off for treatment, or check-ins
It shows employees that they don’t have to hide what they’re going through.
3. Lead With Curiosity, Not Control
You don’t need to be a counselor. But you can ask thoughtful questions, listen without judgment, and point people in the right direction. A curious, compassionate conversation can open the door to real change—especially when someone is already feeling vulnerable.
Modern support means meeting people where they are. Whether someone is cutting back, abstaining, or just starting to question their habits, having your workplace be part of the solution helps them take the next step.
4. Set the Tone From the Top
As a business owner, your attitude sets the culture. Talking openly about stress, supporting mental health days, and encouraging balance gives your employees permission to take care of themselves. And when people feel safe, they perform better. It’s that simple.
Addressing substance use isn’t about policing your team. It’s about building a workplace where people can show up as they are, get the support they need, and grow. That’s what today’s employees are looking for—and it’s how small businesses build loyalty, retention, and a reputation for doing things the right way.
Source: McConnell, K. (2024, April 1). The Challenge of Change: How employers can modernize workplace substance use support. How Employers Can Modernize Workplace Substance Use Support | Spring Health. https://www.springhealth.com/blog/how-employers-can-modernize-workplace-substance-use-support