Governor Walz Takes Executive Action to Make State of Minnesota a Recovery-Friendly Workplace
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today took executive action to make the State of Minnesota a recovery-friendly workplace. Under Executive Order 24-11, the state will adopt policies and procedures to increase support for employees in recovery. This executive order builds on legislation from the 2023 session establishing a statewide Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative by positioning state government to lead by example.
“Substance use disorder is a challenging journey. Providing support for employees’ health in the workplace is key to both achieving and sustaining recovery,” said Governor Walz. “By increasing respect and support for those in recovery, we can do a better job of retaining employees, supporting communities, and promoting the economic vitality of our state.”
“Minnesotans dealing with substance use disorder deserve support, respect, and dignity, both at home and at work,” said Lieutenant Peggy Governor Flanagan. “As the second-largest employer in the state, I’m proud we’re taking steps to promote support for all Minnesotans in the workplace.”
Recovery-friendly workplaces are work environments that assist employees with substance use disorder or in recovery, by:
- facilitating access to treatment and support for employees with substance use disorder and their families;
- coordinating the return to work;
- reducing the risk of substance use disorder through education
Under Executive Order 24-11, state agencies will work collaboratively to facilitate conversations within state government and with state and local health agencies to provide education on substance use disorder. Additionally, agencies will strengthen staff training on opioids and substance use and provide enhanced education on substance use disorder to all Minnesotans. The Office of Addiction and Recovery will produce an annual report on the continued progress of the state’s recovery-friendly workplace initiatives.
“We are appreciative of the Governor’s leadership and executive order directing the State of Minnesota to become a recovery-friendly workplace,” said Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council President Dan McConnell. “By supporting employees who are in recovery and fostering an inclusive, supportive work environment, our state is taking proactive steps to address addiction and support improved mental health in our community. This initiative not only enhances the health and well-being of our state workforce but also strengthens our economy by reducing turnover, improving productivity, and promoting long-term recovery success. This is a great step towards building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient future for everyone.”
“We know firsthand that treatment works and recovery pays important dividends to everyone in Minnesota,” said William C. Moyers, vice president of public affairs for Hazelden Betty Ford. “When people like me overcome addiction, we are employable, productive, tax-paying citizens who prove day-after-day that making recovery Minnesota’s business is good common sense too.”
“Over the last several years the opioid epidemic has deeply impacted people across Minnesota, their families, their communities, and their employers,” said Paul Aasen, president and CEO of Minnesota Safety Council. “Being a recovery friendly workplace that is ready to support an employee either experiencing substance use themselves or with a family member experiencing issues is a win-win-win for the employee, their co-workers, and the employer.”
“Supporting employees and offering supportive working environments is more important than ever,” said Adam Duininck, president and CEO, Minneapolis Downtown Council. “Recovery friendly workplace initiatives foster stronger worker productivity, enhanced morale, and more supportive environments, enabling all employees to perform to their highest potential. Having the State of Minnesota lead the way as an employer in this space will make Minnesota’s workforce even stronger.”
This executive order is part of the state’s efforts to address substance use disorder and the opioid epidemic in Minnesota. In 2023, Governor Walz signed over $200 million into law to combat substance use and the state’s opioid crisis through education, treatment, prevention, and recovery strategies.
