Last updated : December 16, 2024
Studies show that drug users are 33 percent less productive than their sober counterparts. That is a huge difference. This means that if an employee is high on cocaine or ecstasy, he or she is going to be significantly less productive than other workers in the office. In this economy, business owners can’t afford to keep unproductive employees on the payroll. Employees need to be effective, productive and cost-efficient members of the company. An employee with a substance abuse problem is only going to create more work for his or her coworkers. Instituting a drug free workplace is the only approach for businesses that want to ensure workers are being productive members of the company.
Absenteeism in the Office
Absenteeism is a big problem for employees with substance abuse problems. Unfortunately, they are much more likely to miss work unexpectedly. In addition, their unhealthy lifestyle choices may also force them to take more sick days. An office can’t run efficiently if employees are missing work all of the time. Unfortunately, drug users abuse the system. They may force other workers to pick up their slack. If a drug user misses work, another employee may have to fill in for him or her. This also keeps good employees from using their sick days when they truly need them.
Drug Users Are Expensive Employees
A worker that uses amphetamines and heroin is going to be expensive for an employer. He or she is more likely to need more medical treatments than other employees. Expensive and time consuming rehabilitation programs may be necessary.
Employee Turnover
Drug users are also more likely to quit and switch jobs than other people. Most small and large business owners know that employee turnover is incredibly expensive. It takes time and money to train new applicants. Eliminating these employees during the pre-employment stage is the best possible solution. Pre-employment drug screening can help business owners save thousands of dollars on recruiting and training new employees.
Employer Liability
Employer liability is one of the most important issues for companies that have drug-using employees. Workers’ compensation may not cover a workplace accident due to the error of an employee who has been using marijuana or ecstasy. In addition, an insurance policy may not protect a business owner in the event of a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit. Business owners need to show due diligence in order to protect their assets. A pre-employment drug screening policy is a great way to show responsibility to employee safety and the general public.
Employee Drug Use and The Bottom Line
Business owners are concerned about their bottom line. There is no doubting the fact that drug-using employees cost businesses money. They are absent more often, less productive than their coworkers and expensive to insure. Drug users cost businesses in America billions of dollars each year. Business owners have to crack down on employee drug-use. The only way to avoid hiring drug users is to test them. A great way to save money is to invest in pre-employment drug screening. A drug-free policy is an important part to running an efficient, cost-effective workplace.
Drug-Users Aren’t Advertising
It may not be immediately apparent that an employee is a drug user. The users aren’t exactly advertising their habits. In fact, it can be dangerous to guess at who may or may not be using drugs. Take the guesswork out of the equation, and test for drugs. Some employers are shocked to find out who is actually using drugs in the office. The only way to know for sure is through testing.
Drug Testing Saves Business Owners Money
It is never too late to institute a drug testing policy. Even if a business has never had a problem with drug use before, they should still institute some type of drug free policy. There is no need to worry about encroaching on the privacy of employees. Good employees will understand the necessity of testing. In this economy, business owners can’t be too careful about liability and cost-control. Employees need to be held accountable for their actions. High employees are costing their companies thousands of dollars each year. A drug free workplace is an efficient workplace.
