ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order establishing the State of Maryland as a Recovery-Friendly Workplace. The order increases support for Maryland state employees in recovery from substance use disorders by updating state employment policies. With this order, Maryland is joining only a few other state governments in the country that have recovery-friendly workplace policies for their employees.
“Every community in Maryland has been affected by substance use and overdoses, and many of us know people who are thriving in recovery,” said Gov. Moore. “Our administration is supporting our affected communities by encouraging employers across the state to foster recovery-friendly environments, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because the data shows us these policies lead to real economic gains. It’s time that the state walks the walk to show that Maryland supports and values workers in recovery.”
Updates to State of Maryland Employment Policies
The executive order ensures that individuals in substance use recovery are supported in the workplace by requiring state agencies to provide training to educate employees about substance use disorders, substance use treatment and recovery, and how to respond to overdoses. The order also updates state corrective action policies, ensuring that individuals are first offered support through the state’s Employee Assistance Programprior to punitive measures when substance use impacts their work performance.
“Recovery takes strength, and in Maryland, we want those in recovery to have the opportunity to build the life they deserve,” said Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. “A good job can provide stability, purpose, and a pathway forward. With this executive order, we’re battling stigma by making it clear that substance use disorder is a treatable health condition, and people in recovery deserve support as they move forward.”
“When Maryland workplaces support people in recovery, we all prosper," said Maryland Special Secretary of Overdose Response Emily Keller. “By becoming a recovery-friendly employer ourselves, we honor the value that individuals in recovery add to the workplace. We’re also ready to work with our partners across the state in their efforts to expand structures that support Marylanders at every point along their recovery journeys.”
About Maryland’s Recovery-Friendly Workplace Program
Since 2023, Maryland has worked to promote supportive work environments through its Recovery-Friendly Workplace program. The program provides resources—such as free training and technical assistance—to participating businesses that hire people in recovery and foster healthy and safe working environments.
“Making more workplaces recovery-friendly is a win-win,” said Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu. “When people have the support they need to stay in recovery, they’re better able to succeed at work, and employers benefit too. Recovery-friendly workplaces create environments for workers to succeed and help employers to build a stronger, more productive workforce.”
The program is backed by research that shows recovery-friendly employers see fewer days of unscheduled leave, lower turnover rates, less productivity lost, and decreased health care costs. Employees in recovery-friendly workplaces are less likely to return to use and more likely to stay connected to recovery programs and to the workforce. Maryland’s Recovery-Friendly Workplace program currently operates across the state, with dedicated staff located in Baltimore City and Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, Harford, St. Mary’s, and Washington Counties. Today’s executive order expands the program’s impact even further.
