?? Psychedelics in the Workplace: Navigating Roles, Responsibilities, and Risks

Welcome back to "The Microdose Diet" newsletter, your trusted source for achieving success, passion, and happiness in life and career through alternative medicines like microdosing psychedelics. ??

As you know, Dear Reader, I am a fervent advocate for the strategic and mindful practice of psychedelics for performance and mental wellness. However it is difficult for me not to recognize that the Psychedelic Gentrification is making things quite complicated for organizations…

• Organizations now have to understand what is happening in their states and cities regarding psychedelic policies. And the field is moving extremely quickly!
• The decriminalization and increased therapeutic use of psychedelics will ask for a re-evaluation of drug policies.
• Practices such as microdosing for mental health and performance are widely different from recreational trips. How will companies take that into consideration while balancing employees rights?
• What about the psychedelic retreats abroad?
• Psychedelics are still mostly a Schedule I substance making many employees “criminals” in the eyes of the law…are we going to see the same old “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach even if the goal of the practice is mental wellness?
• The misuse of psychedelics can imply safety concerns for employees, clients, suppliers.
• What about the reputational risks? Wink, wink, Tesla, Elon Musk and Ketamine.
• Will organizations take their responsibilities and admit that the pressure to conform and perform makes a number on employees’ health?
• Will we finally see class actions from individuals feeling pushed in the arms of psychedelics or alcohol, ZYN, Adderal, cocaine in order to handle the competitive pressure?

In the modern corporate environment, the emergence of psychedelics in the workplace poses a unique challenge for board members and managers. While federal law prohibits their use, the reality is that employees are increasingly turning to psychedelics, including microdosing, for various reasons.

In this newsletter, we explore the roles, responsibilities, and risks that board members and managers face in navigating this complex issue. We aim to highlight the imperative for leaders to address this issue proactively, emphasizing the implementation of best practices to navigate this complex terrain effectively.

??♀?Roles

Board members and managers play a crucial role in addressing the presence of psychedelics in the workplace. They must recognize the significance of this phenomenon and take proactive steps to address it effectively.

While psychedelics remain classified as Schedule I substances under U.S. federal law, their presence in the workplace cannot be ignored. Many employees are turning to psychedelics, including microdosing, as a means of enhancing well-being, creativity, and performance at work. As stewards of their organizations, leaders must acknowledge the reality of this phenomenon and recognize the need to address it in a responsible and proactive manner.

Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of their employees. By assuming leadership in this area, they can ensure the safety and well-being of their employees while maintaining a productive work environment.

Contact Peggy for a Leadership Keynote on “Psychedelics in the Workplace: Navigating Roles, Responsibilities, and Risks for your Organization”

??Responsibilities

In the face of this challenge, board members and managers must prioritize the implementation of best practices when it comes to the proliferation of psychedelics. This includes:

1. Revising Policies and Communication:Drug Policies: Revising workplace drug policies to align with changing regulations and educate employees on the potential risks and repercussions associated with substance use.Workplace Handbooks: Updating workplace handbooks to reflect the organization's stance on psychedelic use and provide guidance on navigating related issues.Communication: Effectively communicating with employees about the organization's policies, expectations, and available educational resources regarding psychedelics in the workplace.Legal Insights: Individuals who engage in microdosing may unknowingly violate workplace policies or legal boundaries. Managers should be equipped to address potential legal ramifications stemming from the use of psychedelics, particularly in contexts intertwined with occupational duties.Taking Responsibilities: Recognizing that many employees are engaging in microdosing practices to improve their performance at the office, navigate their careers, reduce their stress and anxiety, while maintaining their mental wellness.Compassion: Understanding that practices such as microdosing psilocybin are not addictive and support the mental health and performance of employees.

Educate your Board on the Best Practices pertaining to Psychedelics in the Workplace. Book a Leadership Keynote Now.

1. Educating Employees on Best Practices:Mindful Practice: Promoting a culture of mindfulness and intentionality surrounding psychedelic use, emphasizing responsible consumption and respectful integration.Quality Products: Ensuring that employees know that psychedelics should be sourced from reputable and reliable sources, prioritizing purity and safety.Strategic Protocol: Ensuring that employees know the importance of mindful protocols for the use of psychedelics, including guidelines for dosage, administration, supervision and access to mental health resources.

??Risks

In recent years, numerous accounts have emerged of founders turning to psychedelics to enhance their performance, driven by the pressure from investors seeking to back "extraordinary individuals." Additionally, stories have surfaced about venture capitalists hosting psychedelic retreats for leaders of their portfolio companies, and leadership teams experimenting with psychedelics together. Such practices introduce considerable risks to organizations. Moreover, many organizations are unknowingly at risk even without engaging in these extreme behaviors.

1. Legal Risks:Federal Prohibitions: Psychedelics, including microdosing, are classified as Schedule I substances under federal law, exposing organizations to legal risks if they condone or facilitate their use in the workplace. Compliance Challenges: Navigating the legal landscape surrounding psychedelics requires careful attention to changing regulations and jurisdictional differences, presenting compliance challenges for organizations.Class Actions: Employees and partners justifying their use of psychedelics by the pressure to succeed within their organizations. Employee Safety: Organizations have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their employees, which includes providing a safe and healthy work environment. Reputation Risks: Organizations that are perceived as condoning or facilitating the use of psychedelics could face reputational damage, which could impact their ability to attract and retain customers and employees, as well as lowering their valuation. Learn how to Navigate the Risks linked with Psychedelics in the Workplace. Contact Peggy
2. Health Risks:Occupational Hazards: Impaired cognitive function and decision-making associated with psychedelic use may compromise employee productivity and pose occupational hazards in certain roles.Potential Consequences: Mindless use of psychedelics can have health consequences, such as adverse reactions, posing risks to employee well-being and safety.

Navigating the presence of psychedelics in the workplace presents a significant challenge for board members and managers. Leaders have a critical role to play in addressing the presence of psychedelics in the workplace. By assuming responsibility for implementing best practices, revising policies, and effectively communicating with employees, they can mitigate potential risks while fostering a safe and supportive work environment. It is essential for board members and managers to approach this challenge with diligence, compassion, and a commitment to promoting employee well-being and organizational success.

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?? About The Microdose Diet

I'm Peggy Van de Plassche, a former banker and VC with 20 years in financial services and technology. "The Microdose Diet" combines alternative medicines like microdosing psilocybin for personal and professional growth.

Pre-order my book, "MORE! The Microdose Diet - the 90 Day Plan for Success, Passion, and Happiness," available on Amazon.

?? The Brain Power Microdose: Supporting Cognitive Health and Stress Relief

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