Governor Chris Sununu was the first State Governor to launch a Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative on March 27, 2018. It provides employers with resources to become recovery friendly, and once certain criteria are met, the employer receives the Recovery Friendly Workplace designation. Criteria for obtaining and keeping the Recovery Friendly Workplace designation in New Hampshire include:

• Regional Public Health Network orients senior management and human resources personnel.
• Declare to employees your participation in the initiative.
• Provide employees with information and resources.
• Establish connections with local recovery support organizations.
• Train supervisors on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug policies.
• Train employees annually on substance misuse, behavioral health and addiction.

Governor Brian Sandoval of Nevada launched a Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative on September 5, 2018 to reduce the stigma of substance use and encourage workplaces to support treatment and recovery.

To obtain the Recovery Friendly Workplace designation, organizations must complete training and policy requirements. The State has developed and made available six training courses. The organization must have a Drug Free Workplace policy that includes:

• Communication with employees about the availability of the EAP and related treatment and health and wellness services and options.
• Promotion of engagement in recovery when an employee tests positive for substances and when criminal charges potentially impact work.
• An appeals process for an employee that has tested positive.
• A message of hope in recovery and an anti-discrimination culture.
• Guidelines about using prescription medication.
• Annual training for all employees and supervisors.
• Assurances of "exit with dignity" if it becomes necessary for an employee to leave his/her employment.
• Leadership and other staff who are in recovery promote and share their personal stories of the successes of the program.

Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced the initiative on August 8, 2018.  The initiative will provide guidance for employers to create more supportive work environments for employees in recovery and to address the stigma. It is modeled against New Hampshire's program, even using the same logo.

The initiative launched in February, 2020. Three Recovery Friendly advisors will work with businesses to help them achieve the designation. The benefits to employers are lower health care costs and a better work environment with less stigma.