Addressing Addiction in the Workplace

Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of role or background, and its impact on the workplace is often underestimated. From alcohol dependency to gambling addiction, these struggles can lead to absenteeism, decreased productivity, and mental health challenges — but with the right approach, employers can foster a culture of support, not stigma.


In this powerful and honest webinar, Nisha Chandra, a Detective and Outreach Officer at the Metropolitan Police who has overcome alcohol addiction, and Harj Gahley, an international speaker who battled a gambling addiction and £250K debt, will share their lived experiences. They’ll discuss the realities of addiction in professional environments, how businesses can better support affected employees, and steps to create a workplace where individuals feel safe seeking help.


What We’ll Cover

  • The impact of addiction — both personally and professionally
  • How to recognise the signs of addiction in employees
  • Breaking the stigma: fostering an open and supportive workplace culture
  • Employer responsibilities: policies, support systems, and best practices
  • Advice for individuals currently struggling with addiction
  • Insights from lived experiences and real-world recovery journeys

Join us for an open conversation on breaking the stigma, offering meaningful support, and ensuring workplaces are places of recovery, not isolation.

 

Signup Here

Speaker

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Harj Gahley
Director at Red Card Gambling Support C.I.C.

From being £250,000 in gambling debt to finding purpose and redemption, Harj Gahley’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His personal experience with gambling addiction, financial ruin, and near-tragedy has shaped his mission to educate, support, and inspire others trapped in similar struggles.As the Director of Red Card Gambling, Harj has dedicated his life to raising awareness about the hidden dangers of gambling and advocating for systemic change. He has empowered hundreds to begin their recovery journey, with his work saving at least 10 lives from suicidal intentions.Harj’s message of hope and resilience has reached audiences at the House of Lords, House of Commons, and through features on BBC, ITV, The Financial Times, The Guardian, and The Mirror.His commitment to creating lasting change continues to inspire individuals and communities, ensuring that no one feels alone in their battle with addiction.

 

Connect with Harj

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Nisha Chandra
Detective at Metropolitan Police

Nisha is a Punjabi Cockney female detective, TEDx speaker and passionate advocate for breaking South Asian taboos. She uses her platform to spark real conversations about alcohol addiction, baby loss and female empowerment, pushing for real change in communities that need it most. With her straight talking approach and lived experience, Nisha is dedicated to challenging stigmas and inspiring others to speak their truth.

 

Connect with Nisha

Host

Clare Keniry
Clare Keniry
Morgan Hunt Board Director and Head of D&I

Clare Keniry is a Board Director and head of Diversity & Inclusion at Morgan Hunt, working with clients to ensure that their recruitment strategies are diverse and inclusive. The recruitment process is a critical element of bringing diverse talent into an organisation and we help organisations to ensure that every step is as consciously inclusive as possible. Within Morgan Hunt, she also leads the development of a diverse & inclusive culture. She has over 20 years’ experience working within the recruitment industry with extensive networks spanning both the private, public, and not for profit markets, having worked across the UK and Australia. Driving authentic diversity & inclusion is one of the biggest challenges facing employers and Morgan Hunt are committed to working with organisations to support the development of a truly diverse and inclusive workplace.

 

Connect with Clare

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