Last updated : November 4, 2024
Staff drug testing delivers numerous valuable benefits for employers and workers.
It enables an organization to operate more smoothly and efficiently in many ways. Such tests reduce insurance costs, prevent various work disruptions and keep everyone safe. The most common time for testing is before a manager hires someone. This enables the employer to completely avoid drug-related problems. It also eliminates the hassles associated with firing a person and quickly finding a replacement.
Drug tests offer at least five important advantages:
Increased Productivity
Addicts often become lethargic or drowsy and fail to perform the work expected of them. Some try to compensate for this with large amounts of sugar or caffeine. At best, this yields inconsistent productivity. Other addictions may cause them to remain alert but behave in a distracted manner. They might send personal email messages or play computer games when a supervisor isn’t nearby. The quantity and/or quality of work may suffer. Some drug users inadvertently reduce revenue in other ways. For example, the strange behavior of a cashier might discourage customers from visiting a store.
Reduced Absenteeism
Hangovers, drug-related medical problems and arrests cause addicts to miss more work than other employees. This can disrupt daily business tasks or delay vital projects. It also creates larger burdens for other personnel. Testing appears to cut absenteeism in half, according to Occupational Health & Safety magazine. It also reduces staff turnover rates by nearly one-sixth. Frequent absenteeism typically results in job loss. By helping supervisors select dependable employees, testing decreases recruitment and training costs.
Fewer Workplace Accidents
Addicts often make mistakes that result in costly accidents. Some of these incidents are linked to a failure to concentrate on their work. Frequent use of marijuana, alcohol, unnecessary medications or cocaine can result in such problems. Regardless of the exact cause, accidents disrupt productivity and ruin valuable equipment. They can also injure workers, customers or other visitors. This may trigger lawsuits and higher insurance premiums. It also creates bad publicity. Drug tests offer an effective and affordable way to keep accident-prone individuals out of the workplace.
Reduced Insurance Costs
Drug-free employees can cut a variety of insurance bills that employers pay. Fewer accidents result in lower workers’ compensation and group health insurance rates. Testing also helps businesses avoid unsafe drivers who increase commercial auto insurance premiums. People have fewer health problems when they don’t use illegal drugs; this reduces the price of medical coverage as well. To pay for expensive narcotics, many addicts turn to theft. Such incidents harm productivity and increase the cost of insuring business property.
Improved Morale
People feel better about their jobs when they don’t have to work alongside drug users. They enjoy greater safety and have fewer concerns about theft or assault. Employees are also more likely to believe that fellow staff members are performing equivalent amounts of work. They don’t feel disgruntled about working hard while others fail to complete assigned tasks. By boosting morale, drug testing helps managers retain qualified employees and raise productivity. Staff members are also more likely to treat customers and co-workers in a positive, friendly manner.
The results of testing provide various other benefits as well. These tests help companies preserve their reputations, avoid unproductive hiring interviews and cut administration time. Compared to the potential costs of employing a drug addict, the expense and effort associated with a test is very small. The above-mentioned benefits have prompted many businesses and government agencies to increase testing in recent years. Organizations are also performing tests for a greater variety of intoxicating substances. These steps will result in safer, more productive workplaces for everyone.
