What if your next “competitive edge” as a company wasn’t innovation or efficiency—but compassion?

In this eye-opening episode of The Flourishing Edge, Ashish Kothari sits down with David Shapiro to unpack how recovery-friendly workplaces are redefining what it means to truly support employees.

From mental health to substance use recovery, David reveals why inclusion, belonging, and psychological safety aren’t “nice-to-haves”—they’re the foundation of human flourishing at work. Together, they explore how stigma, stress, and hidden workplace norms silently fuel substance misuse—and how small cultural shifts can create massive change.

💡 Key Topics & Takeaways:

1️⃣ The Human Side of Workplace Health:

David’s journey from anthropology and family-friendly policies to leading the Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative.

How his personal story of recovery informs his mission to make work environments more empathetic, inclusive, and safe.

“My work matches my life”—the power of aligning personal purpose with professional service.

2️⃣ Understanding Substance Use & Recovery:

What substance use disorder really means—and why it’s a medical condition, not a moral failing.

The spectrum from low-risk social use to addiction, and how 30 million Americans live with diagnosed substance use disorders.

The ripple effect: for every person impacted, two to three others are affected at home or at work.

Why workplace culture and chronic stress can drive coping behaviors—and what employers can do differently.

3️⃣ Redefining “Recovery”:

SAMHSA’s inclusive definition: “a self-directed process of change.”

→ Recovery can mean abstinence, harm reduction, or simply the courage to seek help.

Why judgment—not lack of resources—is the biggest barrier to recovery.

“We rally around cancer, but we isolate addiction.” How empathy transforms stigma into connection.

4️⃣ Culture Shift: From Judgment to Curiosity:

Don’t label—listen. Describe what you see objectively before assuming impairment.

Replace words like “addict” with “a person experiencing substance use disorder.”

“Connection is the opposite of addiction.” – Johan Hari

Language matters: empathy and curiosity are the foundation for healing cultures.

5️⃣ Building a Recovery-Friendly Workplace:

David outlines the three pillars (the 3 P’s) of Total Worker Health®:

Policies: Shift from “zero tolerance” to “we care about you and want to help.”

Practices: Encourage leaders to model openness, empathy, and awareness.

Programs: Offer real support—Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health resources, Narcan/Naloxone training, and flexible benefits.

💡 “If your policy doesn’t reflect how you actually care for people—it’s time to rewrite it.”

6️⃣ The “Frozen Middle” Problem:

Leaders may support recovery, but real culture change happens in the middle—among supervisors and managers.

Middle managers often feel overworked, under-supported, and hesitant to engage in sensitive issues.

Why equipping the “frozen middle” with empathy and training unlocks lasting change.

7️⃣ Practical, Low-Cost Shifts That Make a Big Difference:

Offer mocktails and non-alcoholic options at company events.

Avoid centering celebrations around alcohol—make inclusion visible.

Provide healthy alternatives in breakrooms (fruit alongside candy).

Reconsider payday timing (e.g., Tuesday instead of Friday) to support budgeting and reduce relapse triggers.

Equip first-aid kits with Narcan/Naloxone for overdose preparedness.

Encourage leaders to test their own EAP before recommending it—know what the employee experience is like.

8️⃣ Stories of Impact:

ODB’s Sandwich Shop (Denver): 60–70% of staff are in recovery. Alcohol still served—but the culture is care-first, not cocktail-first.

JHL Contractors: Supported an employee through opioid treatment and welcomed him back; he’s now a top performer.

Absolute Caulking & Waterproofing: Frequent conversations about recovery helped normalize help-seeking behavior.

State of Colorado: Now exploring recovery-friendly policies across public agencies.

9️⃣ The Bigger Picture: Flourishing Through Compassion

From fear to curiosity, from stigma to support—these are the building blocks of a flourishing workplace.

When businesses choose empathy over judgment, they not only retain talent—they redefine leadership.

If this conversation inspired you, share it with your HR team or leadership circle—because every workplace can become a recovery-friendly one.

Visit recoveryfriendlyworkplace.com to take the pledge, or explore how Happiness Squad can help your team build a culture of flourishing.

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