Stigma by association among alcohol and other drug and harm reduction workers: Implications for workplace outcomes
Stigma towards people who use drugs is well documented. But how it impacts the workforce is less well understood. This new Australian study, published in Drug and Alcohol Review, explores how “stigma by association” affects staff in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) and harm reduction sector.
Stigma by association refers to the negative attitudes people hold towards those who use alcohol and other drugs that can also extend to AOD workers. This can lead to lowered productivity and wellbeing, higher burnout, and greater intentions to leave the sector.
Key findings from a survey of 228 AOD and harm reduction workers include:
Stigma by association was linked to poorer workplace wellbeing, higher burnout, and greater intentions to leave the field
It was not linked to job satisfaction
Workers with lived experience of AOD use reported higher job satisfaction and lower intentions to leave, but they were not protected from stigma by association
Understanding stigma by association is important not only for the AOD sector, but also for other areas where workers may have lived or living experience and strongly identify with their client group. Addressing these experiences and developing supportive workplace mechanisms will be critical for staff wellbeing and workforce sustainability.