What about consideration of using sick leave banks for addicts?
Most of us know or probably have met someone who has suffered or is battling addiction and have seen these bad consequences. It’s refreshing when we see our friends and colleagues start trying to get a grip on their problem by seeking out professional help. Hospital treatment and rehabilitation is mighty expensive and sometimes insurance (if you have any) only covers a portion. This is where public and private employers can lend a helping hand. Some workplaces already utilize sick-leave banks. A normal protocol to qualify for such a program starts with donating a small amount of your own sick time. This accrued, along with others creates a bank of days, which helps pay for colleagues who desperately seek our help. However, addiction is a delicate subject, considering anonymity, potential stigmas and such; but we have constructive ways to address this. Some employers use boards that vote on whether the sick person is justified or qualified in being granted some...