In this episode, Associate Professors Goodman Sibeko and Nadine Harker unpack how workplaces can uphold legal and ethical standards while promoting mental health and preventing substance use.

Prof. Harker discusses what makes a workplace policy both lawful and humane, stressing that alignment with national legislation must go hand in hand with fairness and inclusion. She also underscores the value of collaboration, bringing HR teams, trade unions, and leadership into the same conversation from the outset.

Their discussion moves beyond policy design to the practical realities of putting it into action: how managers can overcome financial and cultural barriers, and why reintegration and aftercare are essential for employees returning from treatment.

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

[00:44] – Aligning Workplace Policy with National Frameworks

[03:20] – Inclusive Policy Development and Representation

[05:26] – Balancing Compliance, Ethics, and Support

[07:27] – Commitment and Universal Prevention Strategies

[11:19] – Implementation Barriers and the “Illness vs. Wellness” Mindset

[14:05] – Substance Use, Workplace Safety, and Reintegration

[15:25] – 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.

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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.