By Dan Haak, President Apricity Contract Packaging

June marks the start of summer and the perfect time for a fresh start. At Apricity, we believe one of the most powerful ways to build a stronger, healthier community is through employment that supports people in recovery from substance use disorders. When employers open their doors to individuals working toward long-term recovery, they aren’t just filling positions. They’re changing lives.

Why Hiring in Recovery Matters

Recovery is a journey that requires structure, purpose, and support. Employment offers all three. A steady job provides accountability, boosts self-worth, and helps individuals build financial independence. It’s more than a paycheck; it's a path to stability and hope.

Employment starts people on a journey from using community resources to contributing back to the community as productive members of society. For many people in recovery, especially those who’ve experienced incarceration or housing instability, employment can be the key to a second chance. When employers are willing to take a chance on someone rebuilding their life, it sends a powerful message: You matter. You are capable. You belong.

The Business Case for Recovery-Friendly Hiring

While the human impact is clear, the business case is just as compelling:

• Loyalty and Commitment: Employees in recovery are often deeply grateful for the opportunity to work. They tend to stay longer, work harder, and are committed to proving themselves.
• Diverse Perspectives: People with lived experience bring unique strengths, resilience, and empathy to the workplace, qualities that can enhance team dynamics and customer service.
• Workforce Expansion: In today’s tight labor market, recovery-friendly hiring taps into an often-overlooked pool of talented, motivated individuals with a broad range of skills.
• Positive Culture: Supporting recovery sends a clear signal that your company values inclusion, compassion, and second chances, which resonates with customers and employees.

Tips for Employers: How to Support Recovery in the Workplace

• Educate Your Team: Break down stigma by providing training on addiction, recovery, and mental health. The more your team understands, the more supportive your culture will be.
• Offer Flexibility: Recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Allow time off for counseling, group meetings, or health appointments when possible.
• Provide Opportunities For Engagement: Instead of a happy hour, offer breakfast or lunch events, or activities for engagement like bowling.
• Create a safe environment: Promote zero-tolerance for discrimination and ensure all employees, including those in recovery, feel respected and valued.
• Partner with local organizations: Organizations like Apricity can help you connect with job candidates, provide support services, and offer ongoing guidance to ensure success on both sides.
• Lead with compassion: Remember that recovery is a process. Encouragement, patience, and open communication can make a world of difference.

A Hope-Filled Future

At Apricity, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of recovery-friendly hiring because nearly 80 percent of our workforce is in recovery. We know what’s possible when people are given a chance, and when employers choose to be part of that transformation. Businesses don’t just fill jobs; they can change futures.