Resources
Everything you need to become a Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace.
Resources to Help You Get Started
Employer Orientation Packet
The Employer Orientation Packet gives an inside look at the program and the support you will receive. This resource provides information about the program and the benefits of becoming a recovery friendly workplace. It guides you through the steps to complete the process.
Advising Session
Advising sessions are virtual, 30-minute appointments with a Recovery Friendly Workplace Advisor. Individualized sessions help you understand the next steps. During advising sessions, you will receive tailored recommendations from one of our program experts.
Workplace Mental Health Survey
The Workplace Mental Health Survey helps you assess strategies and identify ways to enhance programs, policies, and practices that support employee mental health. Includes evidence-based recommendations to become a recovery friendly workplace.
The Employee Resource Group (ERG) Model
The Colorado RFW Initiative offers a peer-led Employee Resource Group (ERG) model to help organizations support employees affected by substance use, recovery, or related challenges — confidentially and separate from HR.
What is an Employee Resource Group (ERG)?
Why Participate?
An ERG is a voluntary, peer-led support space inside your workplace. It's not therapy, not an HR process, and not a substitute for your Employee Assistance Program — just a confidential space for connection that sits alongside the resources you already offer.
With funding support from the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council (COAC) Infrastructure Grant and a partnership with the Steadman Group, each participating employer receives a certified peer support specialist for a full year.
ERGs reduce stigma, increase early help-seeking, and strengthen workplace safety. Participating and providing access to peer support demonstrates your organization's commitment to:
- Reducing stigma around substance use and recovery
- Supporting employee well-being
- Improving workplace belonging and connection
- Promoting retention and workforce stability
- Building a culture where employees know they are not alone
Get started
If your organization is committed to employee well-being and interested in creating an ERG, reach out to our team, and we’ll schedule a short call to walk you through the process.
Research
Year 1 Legislative Report – Submitted to the Colorado State Legislature on August 4, 2025.
Recovery Community Organization, Workforce Development, Employee Survey Landscape Report – Submitted to the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council Infrastructure Share (Round 3).
The Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace Toolkit
The Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention developed the Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace Toolkit along with the Centers for Health, Work, and Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health. Dr. John Narine was the project consultant and subject matter expert. You can read the toolkit in the viewer below or download it as a PDF.