HRCI Supports Recovery-Friendly Workplace Efforts at White House Event

Board Chair Kathy Claytor Represents HRCI During White House Event

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HRCI, the career partner for the human resources profession, participated in a White House event recognizing National Recovery Month and the role employers can play in supporting Americans in recovery from substance use disorders.

Hosted by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the event highlighted key National Drug Control Strategy actions to expand the adoption of recovery-friendly workplace policies and recognized U.S. businesses that have become certified recovery-friendly workplaces. The program, led by ONDCP Director Sara Carter, brought together federal officials, employers, recovery-friendly workplace leaders, and individuals with lived experience to share perspectives on building workplace cultures that support recovery.

HRCI was represented at the White House event by human resources executive and HRCI Board Chair Kathy Claytor, SPHR, GPHR. A global business leader with deep expertise in building and transforming organizational cultures, Claytor spoke on the “Building the Foundation” panel, which examined business data supporting recovery-friendly workplace cultures. Other panelists included representatives from the Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Mississippi Business Council.

Claytor commented, “Adopting recovery-friendly practices enables employers to cultivate a support system for workers with SUD, with reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity as additional positive business outcomes. The Recovery Friendly Workplace movement is creating the infrastructure to make these policies both accessible and repeatable.”

HRCI CEO Dr. Amy Dufrane, SPHR, CAE, added, “More employers are creating cultures that recognize the connection between mental and physical health and that employees can recover from substance use disorders with the right support. National Recovery Month reminds all of us to focus on empowering our employees to be their best selves.”

HRCI has published original research on recovery, including its latest white paper, Recovery as a Workforce Strategy. This resource, and other reports from HRCI, can be accessed in the HRCI Research Library.

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HRCI is the career partner for the human resource profession, supporting HR professionals and the organizations that rely on them. Through applied learning, professional connection, and globally trusted standards, HRCI helps HR thrive as the workplace evolves.

For decades, HRCI has set the standard for HR excellence, building a community of certified professionals in over 150 countries. By connecting strategy to practice, HRCI equips HR leaders with the real-world knowledge to drive business forward and shape the Future of Work.

To learn more about HRCI, please visit hrci.org.

Media Contact:
Jordan Foster
media@hrci.org