Shattering Stigma: Finding Hope in the Workplace for the Nearly 49M People with Substance Use Disorders
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On the heels of the mental health crisis, alcohol and substance use disorders (SUDs) have intensified during the pandemic and transition back to work.
About 27 million –– 1 in every 6 –– working-age Americans now struggle with substance use disorders (SUDs) –– a 23% jump compared to pre-pandemic. About one-third of employers say alcohol is a problem in their workforce, and one-fourth say they are concerned about opioids or other SUDs among employees.
As businesses nationwide face rising costs of employee health care in 2024, substance use and addiction contribute to incurred costs of up to $532 billion per year for American companies and society. 64% of employers are enhancing health and well-being resources –– yet, less than 10% of employees are receiving treatment for addiction. So, why aren’t employees getting the help they need?
The barrier of stigma. Offering resources is only helpful to employees who feel comfortable enough to ask for help. Stigma around SUD in the workplace and in society poses a major hurdle for employees seeking assistance as they undergo treatment and pursue recovery.
In this session, you’ll hear the personal stories of employees struggling with addiction while wrestling the equally heavy burden of stigma at work. Learn how judgmental, stigmatizing language and actions from employers and colleagues can amplify the internal shame and anguish felt by those dealing with the chronic, treatable medical condition of SUD. You’ll also learn how stigmatizing behaviors at work can cause extreme isolation and heightened mental health concerns –– even the risk of suicide, making it nearly impossible for these employees to even imagine seeking help.
Learning Objectives:
- Hear from an exemplary company that has transformed its workplace to be more inclusive, positive and supportive for employees struggling with SUDs.
- Illustrate how best-in-class companies are banishing stigma and training employees to do the same.
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Live Streaming and Recording: Unless marked 'in person only,' all sessions are live-streamed on the app or web format and available for replay 30 days after the event.
Acknowledgment of Technical Issues: While rare, technical issues may occur during sessions. We appreciate your patience as we quickly address them.
Accessibility & Accommodations Information: For detailed accessibility & accommodations information, visit INFO > FAQs in the app.
Stephen Massey
Stephen Massey is a social entrepreneur and co-founder of the Health Action Alliance (HAA), a network of more than 9,000 employers committed to improving health and wellbeing in workplaces and communities across the country. HAA is a trusted source of information and inspiration for tens of thousands of HR and benefits decision-makers who are driven to optimize the human experience of every employee, improve workforce resilience and strengthen public health.
Stephen is also CEO of Meteorite, a social impact firm that builds large-scale private sector coalitions to improve the health of our democracy and communities across the country. Over the past two decades, Stephen has conceived multiple Emmy and Peabody Award-winning campaigns on a wide range of social issues, and he has led impact coalitions with major foundations, employers, government agencies and media organizations in the United States and around the world.
A first-generation Cuban-American, Stephen served as a White House National Security Fellow in the Clinton Administration studied international development and economics at Georgetown, Columbia and Oxford Universities.
Jake Gurock
Amanta Mazumdar
Amanta Mazumdar serves as the Head of Total Rewards at Hilton, a global hospitality company. In his role, he is responsible for designing and delivering programs that help team members thrive – at work and beyond. In 2023, Hilton made a significant effort in supporting those dealing with substance use disorders, and helping the leaders who work with them, focusing on providing tools and education while bolstering a culture that addresses the associated stigma. Prior to Hilton, Amanta was a consultant at McKinsey and Co for six years in Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Amanta holds a Bachelors Degree in Engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, a Masters Degree in Management Science from Stanford University, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.
Kirsten Seckler
Kirsten Seckler is Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for Shatterproof, a national nonprofit dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis.
Seckler has spent her career using marketing to drive social impact. Currently, she addresses the ever-growing substance use disorder epidemic. For 20 years, she was with Special Olympics, most recently as Chief Brand and Communications Officer. Seckler is an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University and is the Board Chair for Special Olympics District of Columbia.
Seckler was named a 2022 PRWeek Health Influencer.
Seckler has a BA from the University of Delaware and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University.
