🎯 Goal: Educate supervisors on how to identify signs of substance misuse and understand steps to refer affected employees for support
As Communications Director for Westside Logistics, Emilia Sanchez knew that launching a substance use education campaign required more than policy—it needed people. After rolling out bilingual newsletters and expert-led webinars, she turned her focus to Supervisor Training.
Partnering with HR and leadership, Emilia developed a training series that empowered supervisors to lead with empathy. Sessions were bilingual, culturally responsive, and grounded in behavioral health science. Supervisors learned to recognize signs of substance misuse, initiate supportive conversations, and connect employees to resources without judgment.
One supervisor, Marcus, reflected, “I used to think it wasn’t my place. Now I understand it’s part of my leadership.” His story echoed across departments. Supervisors became trusted allies, not just managers.
The impact was immediate. Resource kiosks saw more engagement. Feedback surveys revealed growing trust. Employees felt safer, and supervisors felt more confident navigating sensitive situations.
Emilia’s vision was coming to life—not just through communication assets, but through human connection. The training didn’t just teach skills—it reshaped relationships. And in that shift, Westside Logistics became a workplace where accountability and compassion could thrive side by side.
Supervisor Training wasn’t the final step. It was the catalyst for lasting cultural change.
- “Create a role-play scenario for supervisors to practice having supportive performance conversations with employees who may be struggling with substance use”
- “What are behavioral and performance indicators supervisors should document versus medical symptoms they should avoid diagnosing?”
- “Help me develop a supervisor reference card with conversation starters and referral resources for supporting employees with potential substance use concerns”
