Building a Sober Positive Workplace: DeAnn Knighton's Vision for Empathy and Inclusion
Episode Overview
Normalization as a means to change the narrative around substance use disorder Challenges and acceptance of being sober in a work environment centred around alcohol Transition from an experienced sales leader to a graduate student in addiction studies Dedication to understanding addiction and promoting recovery advocacy Importance of fostering a sober, positive workplace and building inclusive work environments
Substance use disorder impacts all of us. Great strides have been made in building a deeper understanding of mental health and its impact on overall well-being. Meanwhile, substance misuse, although impacting at least 1 in 10 humans directly, is monitored and relegated to the conversations about screening for the illegal versions while overlooking potentially damaging causes of the legal ones.
Imagine working in an environment where sobriety is not just accepted but celebrated. In this episode of the 'Sober Positive Workplace' series, host DeAnn Knighton kicks things off by sharing her personal journey and the inspiration behind this initiative. With a background in sales and a new path in addiction studies, DeAnn is on a mission to reshape workplace culture by normalizing sobriety and reducing stigma around substance use disorders.
Did you know that 60% of Americans with a substance use disorder are employed? DeAnn sheds light on this statistic and emphasizes the need for workplaces to support these individuals. She clarifies that a sober positive workplace isn't about prohibition or exclusion but about fostering inclusivity, improving productivity, and creating a supportive environment for all employees. DeAnn's own experiences as a sober individual in an alcohol-centric work culture bring a personal touch to the discussion.
She talks about the challenges she faced and how they fueled her passion for recovery advocacy. This episode is packed with insights on how organizations can benefit from embracing a sober positive approach, including better retention, reduced liability, and a more inclusive culture. Whether you're an employer looking to create a more supportive workplace or someone navigating sobriety in your professional life, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical advice.
Tune in to learn how normalization can change the narrative and make a lasting impact.