Thames Valley University and WestFocus are running a Corporate Addictions Programme which gives businesses the tools to tackle major addictions in the workplace such as smoking, drugs and alcohol addictions and eating disorders.
The CAP has engaged with companies that are interested in participating in a specialist one-day training programme which includes training for Human Resources, Occupational Health, and Health & Safety staff.
Presentations have been delivered to HSBC's Occupational Health Department Team and some 200 employees of Oracle (drugs display and information, advice and guidance in situ) in association with CIGNA Occupational Health; at the opening of a collaborative event between Berkshire West PCT, Berkshire East PCT, No Smoking Day and the Cardio-Wellness charity; and on two separate occassions to the Nottinghamshire Occupational Health Group.
This training has enabled particpating companies to:
- Understand the signs and symptoms of different types of addiction
- Complete an in-house addictions assessment; and
- Help manage addictions in the work place with the assistance of community liasion; and,
The training has also covered topics such as creating a company policy, the law as it relates to the addictions in the workplace, and the scientific aspects of addiction management.
The benefits to businesses include:
- Reducing and managing sickness absence;
- Reducing workplace risks and liability
- Enhancing Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy; and,
- Improving business performance and efficiency.
An example training presentation on managing addictions in the workplace is available to download here (PowerPoint file).
