A global manufacturer of high-quality, end-to-end signal transmission solutions is helping current/prospective employees battle addiction.
The Pathways to Employment drug rehabilitation program allows individuals who fail a drug screen to secure employment or return to work if they pursue treatment. Launched in 2018 at Belden’s cable manufacturing facility in Richmond, it emphasizes two-way transparency and trust.
Pathways is a collaboration among treatment providers, a staffing agency and others in the community. It brings dual advantages: Workers feel valued and are inspired to overcome substance misuse disorder. At the same time, Belden addresses a crucial workplace challenge: attracting and retaining talent.
Currently, 17 employees are participating. Leah Tate, vice president of human resources, is proud of how Belden is investing in the well-being of its workers.
“I think a lot of other employers are concerned in mimicking or doing a program (like this) for two reasons. They’re concerned about their current employee response, which, we were too. But I think they’re also concerned about kind of that external response.”
She notes that although there’s been some pushback, most of the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Robb Backmeyer, chief operating officer at Centerstone (a health care organization and partner) notes, “We have had a few employees (at Belden) come forward and say, ‘Can I participate? I have a problem.’ It’s opened up that possibility for them to be able to do it without feeling the risk of, ‘I’m going to lose my job if I do that.’ ”
Check out the current issue of BizVoice to learn more about Pathways and meet one of the employee whose life it’s helping to change.
Symone Skrzycki is the senior communications manager for the Indiana Chamber. She is also a senior writer for the Chamber’s award-winning BizVoice magazine and has been with the organization for 19 years.