Upgrade your workplace…
Become a Recovery Friendly Workplace

Brett Lovins started a movement from scratch at global giant Cisco Systems in 2021. This isn’t theory; he’s done the work and knows what it takes. And he’s lived it, all aspects.

He’s not the fun police, a prohibitionist, or someone who passes judgment.

Credentials:

  • CFAA-HR – Certified Facilitator in Addiction Awareness for HR & Managers

  • Certified Recovery Coach (CCAR)

  • Dare to Lead™ Trained (Brené Brown)

  • Crucial Conversations - accredited facilitator

  • Program & Project Manager

  • Recovery Friendly Workplace SME – Washington Recovery Alliance

  • Sober Curious at Cisco affinity group (ERG) founder

Brett brings thousands of hours of facilitation and training experience—and a real knack for creating psychologically safe spaces to explore substance use in the workplace. No judgment, no preaching—just honest, human conversation.

A diverse group of six people sitting around a conference table with laptops, smiling and engaged in discussion in a modern office setting.

“Partnering with Sober Curious Consulting for our Dry January initiative was a fantastic experience and one of the most positively received wellness initiatives we've done.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Brain T. Zollweg
Head of People and Culture • Ardán

✅ Improve Productivity

✅ Safer Workplace

✅ Cost Savings

✅ Talent Attraction & Retention

Does this sound familiar at your workplace?

  • We know employees are facing substance use challenges, but we don’t talk about it—because we don’t know how to start the conversation.

  • Our HR or leadership team is stretched thin. We don’t have the time, capacity, or roadmap to take this on.

  • We think we’re addressing substance use issues... but are we really? How do we measure it? What’s working? What’s missing?

  • We’re not sure what a Recovery Friendly Workplace even means, let alone how to get started.

  • “We don’t have that problem here.” False. Two-thirds of American families are impacted by substance use. Maybe not in the break room—but think of your star employee Googling late at night, desperate for help for their child, spouse, or parent.

  • We haven’t reviewed—or don’t have—clear policies around substance use, support, or recovery.

Ready to help…

Substance use challenges are in every workplace—you already know that. Maybe you’ve taken steps, maybe you haven’t. Either way, you’re busy, your team is stretched thin, and you don’t have time for guesswork. You want something practical, something that actually supports your people and strengthens your workplace.

That’s where Brett comes in. He’s lived this, both personally and professionally. Brett launched a recovery friendly movement inside a global corporation, Cisco Systems, and spent three years helping the company face the elephant in the room: two-thirds of American families are affected by substance use issues, and those families aren’t somewhere else—they’re your employees.

He brings long-term recovery experience, proven facilitation skills, and a no-judgment approach rooted in compassion, practicality, and leadership training. His role isn’t to preach or police—it’s to partner with you to create real, actionable change.

Services

  • Brett at podium during Rotary Club of Yakima event with banners behing him.

    Recovery Friendly Workplaces? Huh?

    A dynamic 60-minute presentation designed to educate, inspire, and leave you with some clear, actionable next steps. Story-driven and data-rich, this session connects real-world experience with practical strategies. In just one hour—including Q&A—it has helped wake up company leaders and HR teams to the reality of substance use challenges in the workplace.

  • Four people standing on a hilltop embracing each other, facing a scenic sunset view, with scattered belongings on the ground.

    Wellness Challenge

    You don’t have to wait for Dry January or Sober October. We offer a team-based or company-wide experience designed to explore substance use through both a wellness and organizational lens. Available in 2-week or 30-day formats, this challenge encourages learning, reflection, and real conversations—bringing awareness and connection into the workplace year-round.

  • People writing on a whiteboard with sketches and notes.

    Custom, Comprehensive Consulting

    No two businesses are alike. Working with an experienced partner ensures a smoother journey, helping you accelerate progress and achieve meaningful results. Together, we’ll design strategies tailored to your organization’s unique needs—moving you toward becoming a true Recovery Friendly Workplace. The goal isn’t just checking a box—it’s building a lasting, supportive culture where employees and their families can thrive.

Benefits

★

Work with a Guide

You don’t have to do this alone. Make real progress by tapping into the experience, tools, and resources Brett brings—so you can move forward with confidence and clarity. He’ll help you assess what’s already in place, identify gaps, and prioritize both quick wins and bigger, long-term improvements that create lasting impact.

★

Competitive Advantage

Recovery Friendly Workplaces have a clear competitive advantage—think talent attraction and retention, improved safety, customer loyalty, and significant cost savings. In fact, the National Safety Council estimates over $8,500 in savings per employee in recovery. Supporting your people isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s good business.

★

Belonging, Morale & Safety

Creating a Recovery Friendly Workplace fosters a deeper sense of belonging and boosts morale. When employees feel supported and safe—both personally and professionally—they’re more engaged, loyal, and committed to the team’s success.

Testimonial

“Partnering with Sober Curious Consulting for our Dry January initiative was a fantastic experience and one of the most positively received wellness initiatives we've done. The content was thoughtful and engaging, while the facilitation created real psychological safety, allowing our team to explore a sensitive topic without pressure or judgment. Brett has a real talent for creating a space where people feel safe. We received a lot of positive feedback from employees, and I personally learned a lot. We’ll definitely work with them again and highly recommend this impactful experience to other companies looking to support employee wellbeing in a meaningful way.”

Brian T. Zollweg, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CFAA-HR
Head of People and Culture

Process

Step One ->
Schedule Your Consultation

Set up a no-obligation call where you’ll walk away with insights—whether we work together or not. We’ll explore your goals, assess where your organization stands, and see if my services are the right fit. If it makes sense, we can move forward with the next step—whether that’s a single speaking engagement or a deeper, customized consulting project.

Step Two ->
We Get to Work

Once we’ve identified the right approach, we’ll roll up our sleeves and get moving. Whether it’s a one-time session or a deeper, long-term engagement, I’ll provide clear guidance, tailored strategies, and actionable steps. Together, we’ll focus on both quick wins and sustainable changes that support your employees and strengthen your workplace culture.

Step Three
Enjoy the Benefits

You’ll foster a workplace culture rooted in trust, belonging, and well-being—driving better health, stronger morale, and serious cost savings. But it doesn’t stop there. Recovery Friendly Workplaces attract top talent, boost customer loyalty, and give you real bragging rights as a forward-thinking company leading with purpose. You will be doing right by your employees, their families, and the communities you serve.

FAQs

  • A Recovery Friendly Workplace is a proven initiative that began in New Hampshire in 2018 to help businesses foster safe, supportive environments. It not only supports employees in recovery, but also those seeking help for themselves or family members, while promoting belonging, wellbeing, and stronger workplace connections.

  • Yes, you absolutely can go it alone—if that's your path, I encourage it. Check out the Resources page, and start where you’re comfortable. But lived, hands-on experience is hard to replace. I’ve worn every hat: high performer while spiraling, the irritated skeptic, the isolated employee in recovery. I was the lone voice who sparked a recovery movement at Cisco Systems, a company of 80,000. I know the landscape, and I know how to create space where people feel safe enough to show up honestly—because I’ve been there.

  • EAPs are a great starting point, but most employees either don’t use them or don’t feel safe enough to. Recovery Friendly strategies focus on shifting workplace culture, reducing stigma, and making support visible and normalized—so people actually feel comfortable reaching for the resources you already offer.

  • There are nearly 24 million people in the U.S. living in recovery, and about 1 in 10 adults have a diagnosable Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Two-thirds of American households are impacted by SUD, so it’s likely someone on your team—whether employee or family member—is affected. Recovery Friendly Workplace practices help connect people to support when they need it, normalize conversations around recovery, and create a culture where employees in recovery feel like they truly belong. That kind of workplace strengthens retention, engagement, and overall wellbeing.

  • Personal challenges like substance use and mental health don’t stay at the door—they already impact the workplace. Recovery Friendly practices don’t invite problems in; they provide healthy ways to address them early, reducing absenteeism, turnover, and burnout.

  • Absolutely—we encourage you to learn more. The Resources page is packed with information you can explore at your own pace. And if you're up for a conversation, I’m a practiced, low-key guide who’s passionate about this work. A Consultation Call is just that—a conversation, not a commitment.

  • Yes we do. Please download our flyer.

Ready to get started?