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The Way We RollAuthor: Simon Minty and Phil Friend
A seriously funny take on life from the disability driven duo... Simon Minty and Phil Friend. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Workplace Problem Nobody Talks About
Friday, 20 February, 2026
In this episode of The Way We Roll, we’re joined by Dr Georges Petitjean, founder of WARM (Workplace Addiction Recovery Movement).Georges set up WARM after years of seeing the same pattern play out: Employees struggling with substance use were too nervous to tell their employers because of the potential consequences, including discrimination or career damage, rather than support being offered.Although in recent years there’s been a rise in openness about work-related mental health conversations, addiction has largely been left out. That silence matters, with around 8–10% of employees affected by substance use disorders. Only a small fraction ever receives treatment; most are at work and coping alone.Our conversation explores why some organisations still insist “this isn’t happening here” – a familiar reaction to anyone who remembers when disability was hushed up. We talk about how stigma, language, and fear delay support, often until things reach a crisis point.Georges explains why WARM focuses on psychological safety rather than diagnosis or discipline. The aim is simple but powerful: make it safer to talk, easier to seek help, and more normal to access support early. That benefits individuals, teams, and organisations alike.We also dig into the overlaps – addiction, mental health, chronic pain, prescribed medication, disability, and work culture. Addiction itself isn’t recognised as a disability under the Equality Act, but the associated mental health conditions often are.Georges outlines plans for a pilot with employers who want to lead rather than look away. This means small changes, better language, clearer signposting and a willingness to know what’s really going on.It’s a thoughtful, honest conversation about something we don’t talk about enough – and why it needs to be discussed more.Linkswww.warmatwork.org
