When most people hear the term “fit for duty” they think of impairment related to drugs and alcohol. Maybe fatigue. Maybe physical limitations. But the reality of today’s workplaces is far more complex. Impairment isn’t just chemical, and it isn’t always visible. Stress, grief, burnout, anxiety, trauma, conflict and personal crises can leave someone just as distracted, exhausted and mentally checked out as any substance. And from a safety standpoint, impairment is impairment.

Most workplaces think they’re doing recognition right. There’s a pizza party lunch now and then, a few “great job!” emails, maybe even an...

You know the type: the one who always comes through in a crunch. Who spots the problem before it becomes a full-blown crisis. Who meets...