The ADA Australia facilitation team recently completed a series of Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training sessions for people leaders at Opal, one of Australasia’s leading packaging companies.
This training shines a light on the policies, practices and behaviours expected under the Opal Workplace Drugs and Alcohol Policy and on obligations to always present ‘fit for work’.
Promoting better understanding of workplace obligations around drugs and alcohol, and of the short and longer-term impacts of substance-use on judgment, capability and wellbeing, is not only good for the health and wellbeing of everyone at the workplace, but can also contribute to building a stronger team culture and safer work environment.
Management, worker representatives and people leaders play an important role in overseeing and implementing a compliant workplace Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy, in getting conversations going about these substances, in promoting understanding of detection periods, testing procedures and of support available, and in ensuring privacy and confidentiality in these matters.
The training also puts a focus on the links between substance use and mental health, on warning signs and symptoms of an individual who may be substance affected, and on reaching out to colleagues and co-workers who may be struggling with these substances.
Building an inclusive, supportive workplace takes effort and commitment. But is rewarded with less absenteeism, more engaged workers and higher productivity across the organisation. All of which produces a bottom-line benefit to the enterprise.
Of course, building a great workplace culture doesn’t happen overnight, but training managers, worker representatives, and others with a leadership role in the workplace is a logical place to start. It can be a great first step to improving awareness and getting the culture right around drugs and alcohol.
If you’d like to learn more about this program, or any of the other training programs we offer, please call ADA Australia on 1300 378 429 or email: enquiry@adaaus.com.au
Additionally, if this information raised any concerns for you, please do speak to your GP, they can help you back to good health, or call a helpline: LIFELINE 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue 1300 22 4636.