Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR) today announced the launch of the Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Initiative, a statewide effort to help employers strengthen their workforce, reduce stigma, and support employees affected by substance use and mental health challenges.
The announcement comes during National Recovery Month, which celebrates recovery as a reality for millions of Americans and highlights the importance of health, home, community, and purpose in people’s lives.
VAMHAR is building on two years of quiet progress. Over the last 24 months VAMHAR has been piloting the Recovery Friendly Workplace model with 18 Vermont employers.
The results are clear:
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94% of participating employers reported increased capacity to support employees in recovery, with documented improvements in morale, absenteeism, and retention.
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Research shows workplace recovery programs deliver a $2–4 return for every $1 invested, driven by reduced turnover and improved productivity.
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70% of employees in recovery felt more comfortable asking for help after their workplace joined the program.
After building this strong foundation, VAMHAR is now formally launching the initiative statewide.
Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFW) are employers who create cultures that value health, dignity, and recovery. Certified workplaces receive:
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Onsite and virtual trainings for leadership and staff
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Sample recovery-friendly policies (flexibility, referrals, wellness supports)
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Ongoing technical assistance and a Recovery Friendly Workplace toolkit
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Statewide recognition and certification signaling commitment to workforce wellbeing
Importantly, participation comes at no cost to employers.. The program is supported in part by a grant from Vermont Community Foundation and delivered by VAMHAR, Vermont's statewide leader in transformative mental health and recovery initiatives for more than 85 years. VAMHAR will, within existing resources and while actively seeking additional support and investment, strive to expand capacity to all communities and businesses across Vermont—ensuring that as many workplaces as possible have the resources they need for both employers and employees to thrive. Continued financial investment will be critical to sustaining and growing this work into the future.
“Vermont cannot afford to leave willing workers on the sidelines. Becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace is not just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business strategy,” said Lisa Lord, Director of Operations at VAMHAR. “Together, we can build a stronger and more inclusive Vermont economy.”
This September, VAMHAR invites Vermont employers to take action. Employers interested in becoming certified can begin the process by completing a short online letter of interest at vamhar.org/rfw. Certification typically takes 6–12 months, depending on the organization’s starting point and pace of implementation.
About VAMHAR
The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR) has been advancing mental health and recovery initiatives statewide for more than 85 years. As Vermont’s certifying body for Recovery Friendly Workplaces, VAMHAR provides training, technical assistance, evaluation, and coordination to help employers build healthier, more resilient workplaces and communities.
Montpelier, VT – September 2025 – 1 Blanchard Court, Suite 204, Montpelier, VT 05602. vamhar.org
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