Last updated : November 18, 2024
More employers are recognizing the benefits of drug testing their employees. This is surprising to those who know that Colorado, along with 13 other states, have legal marijuana laws. Employers woke up and realized that they suffer bigger financial and productivity losses when they don’t screen for drugs in the workplace. Here are the primary reasons why employers are performing more drug tests in Colorado.
Productivity
Business owners depend on keeping their productivity levels high to maintain success in their business. Drugs in the workplace diminish these productivity levels. In addition to diminished productivity, drugs also contribute to more absenteeism, downtime, accidents, turnover, and also theft. When productivity levels are low, morale is soon to follow. It’s every business owner’s job to ensure that the business is operating optimally.
Fewer Accidents
Accidents are more prevalent when people are under the influence of drugs. With the medical marijuana dispensaries as accessible as they are, it’s easy to ascertain that the rate of accidents may increase because its easy to obtain. If there’s nothing in the system to impair an employee’s judgement, accidents are less likely to occur.
Reduced Insurance Costs
Most companies have higher insurance premiums when they employ people who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Drug users tend to have more accidents and more health conditions because of the lifestyle they lead with drugs and alcohol. Most of the small and medium-sized firms feel the brunt of these increases. It’s better to simply hire people who do not use drugs, alcohol, or smoke. Most employers are becoming acutely aware of how much money they can save by not hiring drug users and alcohol abusers.
Reduced Absenteeism
In fact, there’s just simply more absenteeism due to drug use. This leads to diminished productivity, inefficiency, and loss of revenue. Unexpected expenses occur when the absentee levels are high. Employers should avoid them at all costs.
Drug Users Look for Employers Who Don’t Screen
Employers who don’t screen will be preyed upon by drug users. That’s why pre-employment testing and random testing is so important. This increases costs of hiring and keeping employees. It’s an overlooked expense that could cost companies millions of dollars, especially if lawsuits arise because of the negligence.
Denver is a liberal state in terms of marijuana, but their employers are not. They want to keep their expenses low, and this is a quick and affordable way to do so. Statistics have shown that there is a strong case for drug testing. This is why so many employers have jumped on the bandwagon. They want to save money, and they cannot save money if their employees are continually out of work and are continually involved in accidents. Reviewing and implementing solutions for these five reasons can help Denver achieve their goals of a drug-free workplace.
