Recovery Friendly Workplace

Winninger Fire Protection Becomes a Recovery Friendly Workplace

A culture of support, respect, and practical resources—built so every team member can thrive at work and beyond.

Winninger Fire Protection recently became a Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW), formalizing a commitment to a culture where employees feel supported, respected, and free from stigma. The organization recognizes that substance use can affect anyone—and that recovery is possible when people have understanding, compassion, and access to the right resources. “Recovery is absolutely possible—and absolutely worth championing,” said Alycia Norton, Director of Business Development at Winninger Fire Protection.

The company described the certification journey as clear and manageable, supported by guidance that helped leadership turn intent into action. “The process was straight-forward,” Norton noted, adding that the right support made it easier to align on what a recovery-friendly culture should look like in day-to-day operations.

Since becoming an RFW, Winninger Fire Protection reports a positive impact on the workplace—reinforcing for employees that the organization is investing in their mental health and overall well-being. One example is the introduction of monthly holistic wellness training opportunities for the team. “Without the impetus of the RFW initiative, our trainings would have focused solely on life at work and not included life outside of work,” Norton said.

Looking ahead, the organization encourages other employers to consider the RFW initiative as a practical way to strengthen workplace culture. Leaders at Winninger Fire Protection say the effort has brought the company and management team closer by creating an atmosphere where employees feel safe to share experiences. Through those conversations, the team has learned how substance use disorder has impacted colleagues’ families, friends, and acquaintances—insights the company believes will influence how it approaches substance use with empathy and helps maintain a safe environment. “These stories will shape how each of us approaches SUD and creates a safe environment,” Norton said.