Last updated : June 16, 2025
The benefits of a drug testing program go well beyond just keeping the riffraff out of your business. It helps you to build a better workplace where employees will enjoy working, and despite what some people think, drug testing isn’t only for bad parts of town or safety sensitive jobs. Every business, perhaps with the exception of a marijuana dispensary, can benefit from a drug free workplace program, and here are the top three reasons:
You’ll Employ the Best People
While there are exceptions to the rule, drug users tend not to be the brightest or hardest working employees. Sorry, but it’s true. If you want to reduce the number of underachievers at your company, a drug testing program is a good way to weed some of them out, as well as reduce the number of new one who may seek employment in the future. And when you raise the standards, most of your remaining employees will usually start performing at a higher level. You’re familiar with the Pareto principle, right?
It Improves Productivity
70% of the estimated 14.8 million Americans who use illegal drugs are employed, and studies show that drug users are drastically less productive and 2.2 times more likely to request time off. According to the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, illicit drug use costs employers $81 billion dollars per year. But a drug free workplace program helps you minimize or even avoid the impact of drug use among your workforce.
It Reduces Workplace Accidents
We all know drugs and alcohol impair judgement, reaction time, and coordination, so it’s no surprise that substance users are more likely to be involved in a workplace accident, and more likely to suffer and/or cause more severe damage and injuries. Since a drug testing program reduces or even eliminates this problem, your workplace accidents will go down dramatically—which comes with the added benefit of reduced workers compensation insurance.
