Addiction in the Workplace and the Role of Responsible Employers

Addiction is often a silent struggle, hidden behind a smile or even a work uniform, but behind the professional façade, substance misuse – whether it be drugs or alcohol – is affecting people in our workplaces every single day.

The statistics are alarming, but they only tell part of the story

• 22.5% of people openly admit to using drugs or alcohol during working hours.
• 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women confess to consuming substances while at work.
• Up to 40% of all workplace accidents are related to drug or alcohol misuse.

These are not just numbers – they reflect real people, real lives, and very real risks for employers and colleagues alike. For businesses, the cost of addiction goes far beyond financial. It impacts safety, productivity, morale, and culture. Yet for too long, it has remained an uncomfortable and often ignored issue in the workplace.

The Howarth Foundation, through its Business Building Futures (BBF) initiative, is helping to change that – one story, one conversation, and one opportunity at a time.

A Candid Conversation You Can’t Afford to Miss

Every Wednesday throughout the month of July from 10:00am – 12:00 pm, starting on Wednesday 9th July, The Howarth Foundation is hosting an honest, interactive, and eye-opening session for managers, HR professionals, business owners, and anyone with a responsibility for people in the workplace.

At the heart of this session is Carl Hedley, a man whose lived experience with substance addiction gives him a unique and powerful voice. Carl will share how he functioned in his career for years while quietly battling alcohol and drug dependence – managing to conceal his struggle from employers who, knowingly or not, turned a blind eye. His story is raw, moving, and unfiltered.

Carl’s manager, Andy, who continues to work alongside him in his recovery journey, will also speak. They’ll talk about the challenges, the learning curve, and the emotional complexity of supporting an employee through addiction, while maintaining the balance of professionalism, empathy, and accountability.

Topics will include:

• How to spot the signs that an employee might be using substances
• The difference between performance issues and underlying addiction
• Legal obligations for employers under health and safety and employment law
• How to approach the subject sensitively and constructively
• What meaningful support looks like in real life—not just on paper

The event also offers a valuable opportunity to connect, share experiences, and network with fellow Business Building Futures members who are equally committed to creating positive change in the workplace.

This isn’t just another presentation – it’s a real, human, practical conversation about one of the most pressing yet overlooked issues in the modern workplace.

Why You Should Be Part of Business Building Futures

The Business Building Futures is a socially driven initiative by the Howarth Foundation that connects businesses with individuals who are ready and eager to rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness, addiction, or long-term unemployment.

By joining BBF, your business can:

• Support people back into meaningful employment, giving them the chance to build a better future
• Lead by example in tackling the stigma around addiction and homelessness
• Access training and support to help you become a trauma-informed and inclusive employer
• Network with like-minded companies that are committed to making a difference in their communities
• Demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility in action – not just polic
• Learn more about BBF and how to join here: https://howarthfoundation.org.uk/get-involved

A Message to Managers

“As a manager myself, I’m fortunate to witness Carl’s journey every day. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been one of the most rewarding professional relationships I’ve ever had. I’ve learned to understand the subtle signs when things are difficult – when he’s stressed, demotivated, frustrated, or struggling.

Working with Carl has taught me that addiction is not a character flaw – it’s a disease. It doesn’t define a person, but it does require understanding, structure, and support to overcome. It also requires employers willing to engage with empathy and courage.

This session will give you the tools to do just that.” – Andy Howarth, Chief Executive Officer

Event Details

Date: Wednesday 9th July (and every Wednesday throughout July)

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Howarths Foundation, Newbury Court, Brooke St, Cleckheaton BD19 3RR

Cost: £25 per organisation (up to 2 attendees) – proceeds go directly to the Howarth Foundation to fund their vital work

We encourage all BBF members, to attend this rare opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow as both employers and individuals.

Book your place by emailing either Andy – andy@howarthfoundation.org.uk or Carl – Carl@howarthfoundation.org.uk

Let’s stop turning a blind eye and start making a difference – together.