Citations & Excerpts

Corner-Office Addictions: Letter to the Editor

July 22, 2003

To the Editor:
     Re "Dealing With Addiction, and What Comes After" (July 20), which described how companies are aiming to help executives who suffer from alcohol or drug problems:
     What are the reasons for such help? At one time, these managers were recruited, trained, promoted and valued, representing major investments by their employer. Though they are paid for 100 percent of their abilities, addicted executives give back only 70 percent at best.
     Termination is an option, but one fraught with problems. A disgruntled, alcohol-dependant former employee is often litigious. Corporate security may be compromised and negative public relations and morale problems may ensue. Finally, a replacement must be found and hired.
     Weigh this against helping an addicted executive who will return to work more effective and loyal than ever, and the reasons are prudent and clear. Besides, you might even save a few lives.

Bruce Cotter
Butler, Md.

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