Imagine this scenario.
An employee in good standing comes through your door and says, “I need help.” “I am drinking too much.” “I’ve begun having panic attacks.” And/or, “I feel like I am just surviving each day.” Are you prepared for these conversations?
In late February, Indiana Workforce Recovery (IWR) launched the Indiana Substance Use & Mental Health Survey. Employer feedback will help evaluate business perceptions, attitudes, knowledge and practices as they relate to preventing and addressing substance abuse and mental health in Indiana workplaces.
The survey is just one example of the many resources and support available through IWR. Formed in February 2018, IWR is a strategic partnership among the Indiana Chamber, Wellness Council of Indiana and the Holcomb administration to combat the opioid epidemic and reduce the stigma. Data collection is an essential component of these efforts and will actively help in developing evidence-base tools for leaders like you. Answers inform how resources are invested, policy positions and educational programming.
The current survey is a follow-up to one conducted in 2019. One of the most startling findings at that time was that Hoosiers who fail a first-time drug screen are as likely to be terminated as they are to be given a second chance.
“We want to reassess the progress we’ve made since IWR’s inception and see how employer perceptions have – or haven’t – changed,” shares director Mike Thibideau. “We’re also including mental health questions in this round. The pandemic continues to have a dramatic impact on health and well-being. Hearing directly from employers will help drive meaningful and impactful conversations with their workers.
“It’s about meeting employers where they’re at.”
Since its inception, IWR has directly trained over 6,700 professionals throughout Indiana; built video toolkits to help employers support their workforce and manage their risks about opioids; and collaborated directly with employers on second-chance programs.
Completing the survey, which is open through April 8, will take approximately 15 minutes. Responses will be combined with others in aggregate to inform the initiative as well as to create a report summarizing findings. Contact Thibideau with questions at mthibideau@indianachamber.com.
