Premise Health Honored as a Recovery Friendly Workplace

Premise Health, the leading direct health care provider for employers and unions, has been certified as a Recovery Friendly Workplace by the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute. This recognition signifies a place of work in which the employer advances policies, practices, a culture, and work environment that are supportive of current and prospective employees who have been impacted by substance use disorders.

Almost 1 in 5 U.S. adults have been affected by substance use disorders, making it one of the most significant health issues facing many communities.

“Premise is deeply committed to building a recovery-friendly workplace for our more than 6,000 team members nationwide, which can include their own personal recovery or that of a loved one,” said Premise Chief Human Resource Officer Elizabeth Reimer. “We know that a culture that supports those who are in, seeking, or impacted by recovery is essential to their well-being. When we take care of our team members, they can show up for their patients – our Premise members – and help them get, stay, and be well.”

Organizations that achieve Recovery Friendly Workplace certification demonstrate leadership in reducing stigma, promoting access to recovery resources, and strengthening employee well-being. Premise’s commitment to substance use disorder prevention and recovery includes practices such as fair chance hiring, ongoing education and training for new and tenured team members alike, employee benefits like no-cost assistance programs, and reliable health insurance programs.

As Premise builds a recovery-friendly workplace, it strives to partner with its employer and union clients to do the same. By supporting recovery, workplaces can enhance employee satisfaction, improve workforce stability, and grow their industry leadership. Employers pursuing certification undergo a structured application process, meeting criteria in four key areas: culture, hiring and retention, benefits, and education and awareness.

“In addition to simply being the right thing to do, we know that supporting our team members who are impacted in any way by recovery helps us to build a stronger, more empathetic team to serve our clients and members,” said Premise Chief Operating Officer Beth Ratliff. “I’m proud that, as an organization, Premise has placed an

emphasis on the personal well-being of our team members, and I look forward to supporting our clients and other employers who look to embark on similar journeys.”

Shaw Industries, which has partnered with Premise Health since 2019, was among the first 15 American companies to receive the Recovery Friendly Workplace certification. Nikki Sharp, Shaw’s vice president of associate wellbeing, said, “We congratulate Premise Health on this achievement and are proud to work with an organization that recognizes that empowering its employees extends to their physical and mental health.” To learn more about Recovery Friendly Workplace certification, visit rfwinstitute.org