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Addiction is often misunderstood, mislabelled, or missed entirely in the workplace. For the benefit of HR professionals, we hear from Andy Leach, Director of Addiction Services, Promises Healthcare, on what addiction truly is, how it manifests, and how to respond how to respond with empathy.
Despite growing awareness around mental health, addiction remains one of the last taboos in the workplace. Whether it’s substance use, gambling, or digital dependency, few organisations feel equipped to recognise or respond to it. Yet addiction can affect every level of the workforce — from new hires to senior executives — and addressing it with compassion rather than judgement can transform both individual lives and organisational health.
Redefining addiction: From blame to understanding
From a clinical standpoint, addiction is a treatable chronic health condition that alters the brain’s reward, motivation, and memory systems. People with addictions of all types, use substances or engage in behaviours often despite harmful consequences. It’s not a sign of weakness, nor a failure of character or willpower, more of a progressive inability to control.
When colleagues understand this, they can shift the question from “What’s wrong with this person?” to “What’s happened to this person, and how can we help?”
Just as we wouldn’t shame someone for having diabetes or heart disease, we must extend the same empathy toward those struggling with addictive behaviours.
"Recovery is possible — but only in an environment where support replaces stigma."
Spotting the subtle signs
Addiction often develops quietly and over time. When and if a crisis emerges, the signs may have been visible for months. HR professionals are uniquely placed to notice early patterns such as:
- Changes in behaviour — irritability, mood swings, or withdrawal from colleagues.
- Declining performance — missed deadlines, concentration issues, or inconsistent quality of work.
- Increased absenteeism or unexplained lateness.
- Secretive or defensive behaviour, especially around personal time, money, or device use.
- Risk-taking or impulsive decisions that seem out of character.
No single sign confirms addiction, but together they suggest an employee may be struggling and in need of support. Early, compassionate intervention can prevent escalation and promote recovery.
Why it's still a taboo topic
Despite progress in mental health awareness, addiction still carries heavy stigma. Many fear being labelled, judged, or even losing their job if they admit to a problem. This silence is costly — it fuels denial, prevents early help-seeking, and allows issues to spiral.
What HR leaders can do
Creating a workplace culture that recognises addiction as a health issue takes intention and courage. HR can lead the way by:
- Educating managers and teams about addiction and recovery, helping to replace myths with understanding.
- Using non-stigmatising language — for example, “person with a substance use disorder” rather than “addict.”
- Providing confidential support pathways, such as access to counselling or employee assistance programmes (EAPs).
- Promoting recovery-positive messaging, where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength and courage, not failure.
- Leading by example — showing empathy, maintaining confidentiality, and prioritising wellbeing over blame.
Compassion is good leadership
Addiction thrives in secrecy and shame but loses power in connection and understanding.
"When HR leaders treat addiction as a health issue — one that deserves care, not condemnation — they create workplaces where people feel safe to seek help early and recover fully."
Compassionate leadership doesn’t just save careers; it saves lives.
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Conference (NCPC) is an annual conference taking place across Asia, in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. NCPC is renowned for convening the foremost experts in counselling and psychotherapy, offering a platform for professionals and students to connect, learn, and exchange ideas.
Interested? Find out more about next year's edition by writing to us here
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