Re-Entering the Workforce
The recovery journey is not a straight line. There are twists and turns as individuals experience moments of breakthroughs and setbacks. But each step forward provides more stability, more confidence, and more restoration.
One of the milestones that may cause feelings of uncertainty is re-entering the workforce. Men and women in our program have spent the past 12 months within the safe boundaries or our centres and now it’s time to reintegrate back into everyday life. They need to make the shift from structure to independence.
Clients worry about
- The gap in their resume
- Being truthful during the interview
- Triggers on the job
During this time, it is natural to feel discouraged when the job search is slow, interviews are tough, and the first job isn’t perfect. But it’s important to remember – that first job is not just a paycheque; it’s part of the healing journey.
A Refined Skillset
Teen Challenge graduates develop an amazing assortment of soft skills during their time in the program that are quite desirable to employers. Understanding how to reframe the past and present these skills on a resume or in an interview is key to transitioning back into the working world.
Discipline is required to complete our 12-month program. In the workforce, that’s called reliability and consistency. These are workers that show up on time, complete tasks, and can be trusted on the job.
Living in community with others in recovery means each day you’re working as a team. Teamwork in a working environment is thought of as collaboration and cooperation. Individuals that can communicate respectfully and contribute to a positive work environment are a great asset to the department.
As our clients progress through the program, they move into positions of leadership. Workplaces require those who can step up when needed, motivate others, and set a good example.
Entering a recovery program requires humility. It means admitting you need help and in a working environment that means you’re coachable and open to feedback.
Completing our program requires perseverance. Employers call that resilience and problem-solving. When tasks are tough, you keep going. When plans change or obstacles appear, you can adapt and move forward.
Problems are bound to pop up when living in community at our centres. Learning conflict resolution is necessary. Many people have never learned this skill and in the workplace, professional communication is particularly valuable. Employees that listen well, find solutions, and handle disagreements calmly are not only an asset to the company but can inspire others on the team!
Our highly structured program promotes time management skills which translates as productivity and efficiency. Employers appreciate men and women who are organized, meet deadlines, and use their time wisely.
The very nature of the Teen Challenge program requires accountability. In the working world, this is called integrity and trustworthiness. Those who take responsibility for their actions and can be trusted with important tasks are sure to succeed.
Working through addiction recovery, individuals can experience a wide range of emotions. During our program, they learn to regulate those emotions instead of reacting. This discipline is valuable in many aspects of life. Often, in the working world, it’s called emotional intelligence and it means individuals stay calm under pressure, respond rather than react, and communicate professionally.
OPENING THE DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY
Businesses that give an opportunity to people in recovery are investing in their community and their team. It’s a critical shift from viewing recovery as a shortfall to recognizing it as a strength.
Statistics* show that people in recovery are extremely loyal to companies that give them a chance, miss fewer days, and are high performers as each day is an opportunity to show their growth, not just to their employer but also to themselves.
Shifting the culture in a workplace means educating staff to reduce stigma, policies that encourage those who are struggling to ask for help, and providing opportunities for individuals to seek the support they need.
If you would like to help educate your employees on addiction and recovery, consider booking Teen Challenge’s Facing Addiction/Embracing Recovery presentation. It’s free of charge, helps to reduce stigma, and provides actionable tools so your team can be a help to those in need.
Re-entering the workforce can seem daunting, but each step on the road to recovery will provide more freedom and more confidence. Employers that open their doors will discover how these employees will transform and build their organization!
*National Safety Council & NORC at the University of Chicago, 2017 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7142489/
