Abstract
The opioid epidemic impacts employers, employees, and dependents in the Commonwealth and
the nation. Substance use problems, especially related to alcohol, have been a long-standing
concern in the workforce. The opioid epidemic has brought addiction concerns in the workforce
to the forefront. While the Commonwealth is a leader in its public health approach to the crisis,
the issue of opioids in the workplace has not received the attention it demands. This issue brief
examines the extent, cost, and consequences of the problem; current employer-provided benefit
offerings; innovative interventions from employers/organizations; and best practices and
recommendations. Primary themes include employers’ uncertainty regarding how to address the
opioid epidemic in the workplace; the need for tailored, workforce-specific solutions, promoted
by leadership; and the importance of reducing stigma.