Supporting Employees after a Colleague or Family Member Experiences an Accidental Drug Poisoning. 

“Give Compassion: Every day the average person fights epic battles never told just to survive.” – Ken Poirot

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If an employee is dealing with the aftermath of a team member or family member's accidental drug poisoning, it is essential to approach the situation with empathy, sensitivity, and understanding. As an employer or colleague, it’s important to provide compassionate support to help them through this difficult time and to offer resources to those affected. Here are some steps you can take to support your employees:

  1. Show empathy and understanding: Offer support to the employee(s) that have been affected by drug poisoning. Listen to their concerns and feelings, and offer resources for help. Reach out to them personally and let them know you are there to support them. It's essential to be sincere in your approach and show empathy towards their situation. Try to understand the emotional toll this situation may have on them. Communicate empathetically: Be compassionate and understanding when communicating with the employee. Listen to their needs and offer support.
  2. Listen actively: Allow the employee to share their thoughts and feelings about what has happened. It's important to listen actively without judgment or interruption. Sometimes, all someone needs is someone who is willing to listen and offer a supportive ear.
  3. Provide resources: Offer resources such as counseling or support groups that can help the employee through the grieving process. WEconnect offers weekly peer-led grief support meetings that can be accessed through the app and on the website.  
  4. Offer flexibility when and if possible: Understand that everyone processes emotions and grief differently and if the work allows, be open to discussing options for time off or temporarily adjusting workloads as able. 
  5. Review your policies: Review your policies around substance use and drug poisoning, and make sure that they are up to date and reflect best practices for supporting employees who may be affected by these issues.
  6. Respect confidentiality: If the employee wishes to keep the situation private, respect their wishes and do not disclose any information without their permission. Ensure that any sensitive information is kept confidential. 
  7. Foster a supportive workplace culture: Create a culture that values mental health and wellness, and where employees feel comfortable seeking support when needed.
  8. Consider professional support: In some cases, it may be necessary to bring in professional support, such as a counselor or substance-use specialist, to help the affected employee and the team process the situation.
  9. Foster a culture of support: Create a culture where team members feel comfortable reaching out for help and support. Encourage an environment of compassion and understanding.
  10. Avoid insensitive comments: Avoid making insensitive comments or asking insensitive questions. For example, do not ask if the employee could have done anything to prevent the overdose. Instead, focus on providing comfort and support.
  11. Provide education on substance use: Educate the team on the signs and symptoms of substance use and how to support someone who is experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. This can help to reduce the stigma around drug use and create a more supportive work environment. Check out some of our resources and anti-stigma campaigns around substance use in the workplace. 
  12. Last, check-in with intention: Continue to check in with the employee after the initial shock has subsided. Grief is a process, and it can take a while for the employee to feel better. You don’t need to have answers or give advice or say and do all the right things. Checking in regularly lets them know that you care and are there to support them. Going beyond, “How’re you doing?” and asking if there are practical things you can do to be supportive can often be more helpful, especially if the person is unsure what support they need.

Overall, providing compassionate support to an employee who has experienced an accidental drug poisoning in their family or team is about being there for them and offering support in whatever ways you can. Remember, substance use is a complex issue, and recovery is a journey. By providing support without judgement, and resources, you can help your team member and their family navigate through this challenging time.

“The highest form of knowledge is empathy.” – Bill Bullard

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Together, we can help your employees and their families. With the WEconnect app, we can give your workforce the support they need to thrive.