Last updated : December 23, 2024
Some companies are on the fence when it comes to drug testing their employees.
However, with one clear look at how beneficial a drug free workplace program is, there should be no hesitations. Employee drug abuse is growing at alarming rates, with at lease seven out of ten drug abusers fully employed.
Here are five benefits of a drug free workplace program..
1. Increased Productivity
Whenever an individual is addicted to a substance, they lose control of life around them. Instead of being able to focus on work, these individuals are thinking about the next time they can get their fix in. That’s why when companies enforce a strict drug free workplace program, productivity improves. While before employees who were drug abusers were not working at their potential,now these people can put all their time and energy into getting tasks done for the company the right way.
2. Reduced Insurance Costs
There is a clear cost saving for the company when employees are drug free. That’s because companies are faced with a reduction of medical and health insurance premiums when employees are at their peak. In other words when employees are practicing a drug free lifestyle, they are less likely to use their healthcare benefits. On the other hand, those abusing drugs will be more likely to need doctor visits, hospital stays and other medical programs. In the long run, this will cost the company money. Similar to this, there is also a 5% discount on a company’s workers comp premium if the workplace is drug free. That’s due to the fact that drug free workplace environments typically produce less absenteeism, as well as theft and fraud.
3. Fewer Workplace Accidents
Many people are unaware that over 50% of all workplace accidents are caused by drugs in some way, shape or form. That means that when you cut out drugs from the workplace, there are fewer accidents on the scene. That’s because drugs have a way of clouding one’s judgment. When an individual is abusing drugs, they are less likely to think their actions through. They make decisions that aren’t always best for the company, or themselves. When employees are sober, they can use better caution and not put themselves in harm’s way, which produces less accidents on the job.
4. Better Equipped to Handle Drug Issues That Arise
Since drug free workplace programs enforce drug testing, this gives companies the upper hand when dealing with these sort of issues. When companies don’t test their employees, there is no real way to know when someone is abusing drugs. That means these individuals aren’t getting the help they need to battle their addiction. However, when companies encourage a strict drug free workplace, they are better able to respond to any alcohol or drug abuse problems that arise over time. These drug addictions become so apparent, so companies can help their employees seek the help they need quickly. This type of fast response can be exactly what’s needed to save a life.
5. Safer Work Environment
Plain and simple, when a company puts a drug free workplace program into effect, everyone involved with the business is now left in a much safer environment. This includes all parties, from the other employees working at the company to the customers. A lot of times when people are abusing drugs, they make bad decisions that don’t affect them, but everyone else around them as well. When you eliminate drugs from the equation, each and every person is much better off.
