Last updated : November 11, 2024
Drugs have a tremendous impact on the workplace. Using drugs during work hours is absolutely off-limits for obvious reasons, but people who use them on their days off can also cause their employers a lot of trouble. The consequences can be devastating, and this is why many companies choose to conduct random drug tests. Employees who find random testing a nuisance should consider the risks employers face. Here are a few of the ways off-duty drug use can jeopardize a business.
Off-the-Clock Drug Use and Absenteeism
On average, a drug user misses approximately five days of work every month. Episodes of tardiness are also common. The absences may be related to the physical and mental effects of drugs or the behaviors associated with addiction. If users take drugs the night before a work day, residual effects may be too great for them to perform without someone suspecting their condition and reporting it, so they call in sick. If addicts cannot obtain the drugs they need locally, they may be inclined to take time off work to travel to a different source. Irresponsible actions, dishonesty and loss of control are typical features of drug addiction. Employees who are developing an addiction after casual drug use place a great strain on the ability of managers to maintain time schedules and normal business operations.
Unpredictable, Lingering Effects
Although sick days are a back-up plan, employees realize that showing up for work is necessary in order to keep a job. In many cases, they will report for work despite recent drug use. If they are still under the influence of the substance, their mental and physical skills may be severely impaired. Most recreational drugs alter sensory perception, judgment and motor skills. Working while suffering residual drug effects results in accidents, injuries and poor quality work. It’s impossible to accurately predict how long a drug will affect its user. Factors determining this include a drug’s quality and strength and the user’s metabolism, age, tolerance and general health. The effects of methamphetamines, opiates and barbiturates may linger for several days. Marijuana can affect a user for up to one week.
Off-Duty Drug Use and Medical Implications
Off-site drug use eventually increases both healthcare and workers compensation costs for employers. Drugs cause medical problems that range from mild and transient to life-threatening or even fatal. Users may need inpatient hospital treatment or extended time off to recover. In severe cases, drug use can result in long-term physical or mental disability. Some drug users neglect to get medical attention when needed out of fear that their drug abuse will be exposed. Untreated illness results in poor work performance that can threaten the safety of other employees.
Low Productivity and Inferior Performance
Under a drug’s influence, even the most highly trained experts can’t work as efficiently or quickly as they normally can. When a worker’s drug use leads to low productivity and poor quality work, a company loses time and money.
Drug Users Affect Workplace Morale
Eventually, a drug user’s performance affects everyone in the workplace and leads to low morale. Other team members may get frustrated when they have to take up the slack for a drug user who is frequently absent or makes mistakes and causes accidents. Even when they start at home, drugs make healthy work relationships more difficult.
Preventable Legal Disasters
Drug use and its consequent poor work performance can lead to property damage and serious injuries involving associates or customers. When these events result in lawsuits, it can be devastating to a company’s finances and its reputation, especially if the element of drug use is made public. Keeping drugs out of the workplace can significantly lower the risk of legal problems.
Companies that Care
A company that cares about its employees and customers doesn’t want drugs to interfere with its success. Keeping a close eye on potential off-duty drug use that could affect workplace integrity doesn’t just help an employer’s bottom line; it provides a service to society in general by deterring drug use and identifying employees who need rehabilitation.
