Employee drug use is increasingly posing a problem for companies. It is essential to keep your company drug abuse free.

Here are some compelling reasons why you need to have drug testing at the workplace.

1. Boosts productivity

Employee drug use leads to absenteeism, poor work quality, focus, and negligence which leads to delayed or missed deadlines and deliverables leading to a fall in revenue.

2. Reduces medical costs.

Companies lose nearly 81 billion dollars annually due to drug use as per latest studies. Drug testing helps businesses to decrease health insurance premiums by reducing drug-related illnesses.

3. Prevents drug abuse

Companies which run regular drug tests help deter employees working on their premises from using drugs and alcohol at work. Regular drug use awareness campaigns and tests can benefit both the employee and company,

4. Enhances brand image

Drug testing helps to boost customer confidence around product quality, safety, and reputation. Potential employees are motivated to work in your company with the employment best practices in place and the positive corporate culture.

5. Improves workplace safety

Drug use can cause minor to major incidents ranging from on-the-job accidents and workplace crimes. Employee drug tests will reduce such events and improve overall workplace safety. It keeps employees safe from drug-use related harm and employers safe from liability.

6. Improves employee health

Drug testing helps companies to identify those employees who may need medical assistance or rehabilitation services for substance use disorder. It educates employers and employees about the physical effects and nature of drug addiction.

7. Enhances hiring

Drug testing can help companies avoid recruiting individuals who pose a safety risk for their business. It allows recruiters to make a smart choice when it comes to hiring the right candidate for the company.

How can your company ensure a drug-free workplace?

1. Reduce workplace stress

If one of the root causes of employee drug use is work stress, you can help by having private and open discussions on how to reduce stress at the workplace. You can also offer flexible work schedules, and provide tools to make their work easier.

2. Have empathy

It is crucial not to make any hasty generalizations about employees who use drugs. You need to understand where they are coming from. Not all drug users exhibit violent behaviors and commit crimes. Some people balance a job while using drugs and are willing to make the change to healthier living. Some people may not have had a choice or were dragged into drug use. Find out why and how they got into drugs and what you can do to help them get out of the habit. Do not reprimand or humiliate them in front of other employees.

3. Educate and remind

Having printed information about how to cope, recover and avoid drugs will educate and help employees. Having posters such as “This is a drug-free workplace” helps remind employees of the substance-free workplace. You can also encourage employees to report any suspicious activity that they see during work hours.

4. Provide wellness programs to employees

There are many employee wellness programs that you can choose from. Los Gatos Doc offers a Stress & LifeStyle Management program that helps address the drug use problem systematically and healthily such as lifestyle changes, counseling, and in-house therapy to keep your employees sober.

Conclusion

Drug use affects the overall work culture, environment and brand image of the company. It affects the work safety, employee health, productivity, revenue and reputation of your company.

An effective workplace drug testing program and proper education can help employers and employees benefit from many tangible and intangible benefits.

Contact Los Gatos Doc for more information on how we can help you implement a drug testing policy that is right for your business. Call us now on 408-502-6040 to learn more.