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New Hampshire’s Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative Supports Culture Change and Business Impact, Survey Finds

via Business Wire

95% of respondents feel better equipped to respond to employee concerns about substance use

According to a 2024–2025 survey conducted by New Hampshire’s Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) initiative in partnership with the Behavioral Health Improvement Institute at Keene State College, 91% of responding Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFWs) reported positive workplace changes over the past year as a result of participating in the initiative.

"This round of evaluation was especially important to us in terms of getting a more in-depth sense of how RFW is serving the business community," said Samantha Lewandowski, Senior Director of RFW for Granite United Way. "We are really encouraged by these results, as there are significant indicators of supportive cultures being developed at our RFWs."

The survey also found:

  • 95% of respondents shared that RFW helped them feel better equipped to respond to employee concerns about substance use.
  • 76% had at least one employee disclose a mental health and/or substance use concern.
  • 57% helped at least one employee seek treatment.
  • 52% expressed an increased willingness to hire people in recovery.
  • Notable improvements in workplace culture, including:
    • Enhanced support for employees
    • Increased connections to resources
    • Expanded training opportunities
    • Improved trust within the workplace

The most valued RFW resources included staff support, educational materials, and tailored training opportunities.

“New Hampshire’s Recovery Friendly Workplaces provide a hand up to Granite Staters seeking to better their lives as they recover from substance use disorders,” said Governor Kelly Ayotte. “I’m proud to support this important program, and I thank the RFW team and businesses across our state who are helping to create a culture of support for people in recovery.”

"Granite United Way is proud to administer this initiative in partnership with the Governor's Office, and we are pleased to see how these efforts are strengthening the workplace as a pillar of community support," shared Shannon Swett, Chief Impact Officer for Granite United Way.

For more information about the Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative or to get involved, please visit recoveryfriendlyworkplace.com.

About Recovery Friendly Workplace

The New Hampshire Governor's Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) initiative was founded in 2018 by Governor Chris Sununu, is administered by Granite United Way, and is a current initiative of Governor Kelly Ayotte. The mission of RFW is to help employers address the impacts of substance use by fostering supportive, recovery-friendly work environments where employees can thrive, in turn, building stronger workplaces and healthier communities.

New Hampshire’s Recovery Friendly Workplaces provide a hand up to Granite Staters seeking to better their lives as they recover from substance use disorders

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