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Workplace Prevention in Practice Pt.2: Early Identification and Support in the Workplace
In this third episode, Associate Professor Goodman Sibeko and Associate Professor Nadine Harker discuss how workplaces can identify early signs of substance use and mental health challenges among employees, and respond appropriately before issues escalate.
Prof. Harker explains the occupational factors that increase risk, the visible and behavioural cues supervisors should look out for, and the importance of distinguishing between informal and formal referrals. She outlines how supervisors can express concern, make soft referrals to employee wellness or HR, and when formal action becomes necessary.
The discussion also covers how consistent health promotion, supportive policies, and structured employee assistance programmes can help organisations address problems early, reduce stigma, and maintain both compassion and productivity.
Featured Voices
Host – A/Prof. Goodman Sibeko
ISSUP Global Scientific Advisor.
Head of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town.
LinkedIn: goodmansibeko
Twitter/X: @profgsibeko
Guest – A/Prof. Nadine Harker
Specialist Scientist in the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drug Research Unit of the South African Medical Research Council.
Time Stamps
[00:00] – Introduction
[00:22] – Occupational Risk Factors and Early Warning Signs
[04:11] – Training Supervisors to Respond
[06:42] – Soft Referrals and Organisational Duty of Care
[11:30] – Formal Referrals and Employee Assistance Programmes
[11:10] – When Help Is Declined
[11:57] – Closing Reflections
About the ISSUP Exchange
The ISSUP Exchange podcast series explores the evolution of responses to the challenges of substance use—from research and training to ethics, quality standards and evidence-based practice. We connect the dots so you can see the big picture.
Explore more episodes and join the ISSUP podcast community here>>>
About ISSUP
ISSUP is a global network that unites, connects, and shares knowledge across the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support workforce. Our mission is to make our members’ work as effective as possible—by providing access to training, resources, and a vibrant professional community.
View all episodes
By ISSUPIn this third episode, Associate Professor Goodman Sibeko and Associate Professor Nadine Harker discuss how workplaces can identify early signs of substance use and mental health challenges among employees, and respond appropriately before issues escalate.
Prof. Harker explains the occupational factors that increase risk, the visible and behavioural cues supervisors should look out for, and the importance of distinguishing between informal and formal referrals. She outlines how supervisors can express concern, make soft referrals to employee wellness or HR, and when formal action becomes necessary.
The discussion also covers how consistent health promotion, supportive policies, and structured employee assistance programmes can help organisations address problems early, reduce stigma, and maintain both compassion and productivity.
Featured Voices
Host – A/Prof. Goodman Sibeko
ISSUP Global Scientific Advisor.
Head of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town.
LinkedIn: goodmansibeko
Twitter/X: @profgsibeko
Guest – A/Prof. Nadine Harker
Specialist Scientist in the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drug Research Unit of the South African Medical Research Council.
Time Stamps
[00:00] – Introduction
[00:22] – Occupational Risk Factors and Early Warning Signs
[04:11] – Training Supervisors to Respond
[06:42] – Soft Referrals and Organisational Duty of Care
[11:30] – Formal Referrals and Employee Assistance Programmes
[11:10] – When Help Is Declined
[11:57] – Closing Reflections
About the ISSUP Exchange
The ISSUP Exchange podcast series explores the evolution of responses to the challenges of substance use—from research and training to ethics, quality standards and evidence-based practice. We connect the dots so you can see the big picture.
Explore more episodes and join the ISSUP podcast community here>>>
About ISSUP
ISSUP is a global network that unites, connects, and shares knowledge across the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support workforce. Our mission is to make our members’ work as effective as possible—by providing access to training, resources, and a vibrant professional community.