Develop a Drug-Free Workplace
Posted in Policies & Procedures
Drug misuse is taking place in homes, neighborhoods, schools, and even in the workplace. In fact, the abuse of illegal drugs nowadays has become so prevalent that it is beginning to be accepted as part of the norm. This, of course, is not a good sign because it promotes the misuse of drugs.
Thus, comes the need for the higher-ups to take over and control the situation. In the workplace, this means that intervention should be implemented by the employers themselves. Ideally, the goal of the employers should be to ensure that their employees are not:
Taking or using alcohol or drugs
Selling drugs
Affected by the after-effects of indulging in alcohol or drugs outside of the workplace during non-work time.
The Idea Behind a Drug-Free Workplace Program
The reasons for coming up with a drug-free workplace program may seem very common and trivial, but actually, there is more to it than just merely promoting employee productivity.
Listed below are the other reasons for setting up a drug-free workplace program:
To protect the employees from hazards that may be brought about when another employee is under the influence of drugs and alcohol
To lessen the impact that unhealthy lifestyle choices of the employees may cause on the company's medical and insurance costs
To keep the employees from resorting to absenteeism, lower productivity, and damaged relationships with co-employees, which will affect the company negatively
To ensure that employees will not steal from or sell company property, as is the case with some individuals who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol
To implement a work atmosphere that is anchored on propriety, morality, and discipline
The Problems with a Drug-Free Workplace Program
Obviously, the major downside when a company decides to implement a drug testing regulation is the intrusive nature which comes with this rule. Moreover, a drug testing regulation creates the idea of a lack of employer trust.
Aside from this, employees who stand their ground against random drug testing regulations continue to do so due to the following reasons:
Because of the belief that non-substance abusers are also subjected to ill-treatment when drug testing regulations are practiced
Because of the belief that the positive result of a drug test does not mean that the drug was taken during office hours. Therefore, the employers' concern on low productivity and the likes is not an issue
Because of the belief that although there are federal drug testing regulations rules to be followed, the company procedures on drug testing are still not being regulated by state and local jurisdictions. Consequently, foul play is still a possibility.
Obviously, the advantages of a drug-testing program outweigh the lack of it. This goes not only for the employer, but for the employees as well. However, the points raised by those who are against the random drug testing in companies are also valid.
In this case, the best way to solve this workplace issue is adhere to the proper arrangements in setting a drug testing program as well as to make the employees understand and appreciate this policy.
If the drug testing policy set by the company provides fair and consistent methods for employee selection for drug testing, then the side of both parties will be put to ease.
