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Recovery Friendly Workplace Missouri

Become a Recovery Friendly Workplace

Become a designated RFW

Designation process

The Recovery Friendly Workplace designation process equips businesses with training and resources to support employees in recovery from substance use disorder and fosters a workplace culture that promotes employee safety, health and well-being. Explore the Designation Process Packet to learn more about how to become a designated Recovery Friendly Workplace and how to maintain the designation.

  • Step 1: Submit a Letter of Intent.
  • Step 2: Participate in an official Recovery Friendly Workplace orientation. Email Michelle McDowell to schedule an orientation.
  • Step 3: Make a written declaration to employees stating the workplace’s commitment to Recovery Friendly Workplace principles.
  • Step 4: Complete the online designation training course.
  • Step 5: Receive a Recovery Friendly Workplace designation from the initiative.

Designation Process Packet (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

A Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) is a business that chooses to go above and beyond for its employees by creating a workplace culture that supports people in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD), as well as those impacted by substance misuse.

There is no cost for a business or organization to become a designated RFW. The resources and assistance are provided at no cost and are funded through the Rural Opioids Technical Assistance (ROTA) grant. Services will include support and guidance throughout the entire process.

Businesses and organizations will receive the RFW designation after completing the first three items on the checklist. See the Designation Process Packet (PDF) for more information.

The Checklist was created to provide a simple, straightforward process for businesses of all sizes to become designated as Recovery Friendly. It includes a list of required components that must be completed initially and within a one-year timeframe. In addition, the Checklist includes other optional steps that are recommended.

When a Recovery Friendly environment is created, people in recovery and those impacted by SUDs can thrive. A Recovery Friendly Workplace shines a light on employee health, wellness and safety, and demonstrates commitment to reducing the stigma often associated with substance use disorder.

By becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace, you are supporting your employees and creating a healthier environment for them, but also showing customers and community members that your business is a proactive, valued community partner. In addition, workplaces that implement evidence-based health and safety policies and programs recruit and retain a healthier, more productive and more motivated workforce. Learn more about the initiative here.

The partner agencies are a group of diverse business leaders and content experts who have helped shape this initiative and continue to provide guidance and support to promote Recovery Friendly Workplaces.

Workplaces of all sizes and readiness levels will benefit from participation in this initiative. Resources will be customized to meet the diverse needs of Missouri workplaces. Resources will include toolkits, materials, trainings and support for supervisors and employees. RFW staff will ensure workplaces are well-connected to the most current prevention, treatment and recovery-related resources to best support their employees. Visit our Resources page for more information.