Last updated : December 23, 2024
Substance abuse in the workplace is a serious issue that can affect any company regardless of its size. While many employers may feel that employees are free to do whatever they want outside of work, the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) estimates that roughly 75% of all illicit drug abusers have full or part-time employment, as do most alcoholics and abusers of prescription medication. Even if an employee is only using drugs like marijuana, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, or amphetamines outside of work hours, all studies strongly suggest that substance abusers are more likely to:
- Frequently Jump Jobs: Substance abusers are less committed to their employer and are more likely to jump from one job to another, which is important since replacing a salaried employee can cost a business up to $7,000.
- Be Consistently Late or Absent from Work: It is 2.5 times more probable that a substance abuser will miss work 8 or 9 times a year.
- Be Less Productive: Substance abusers have less daily productivity than non users and are estimated to be 1/3 less productive
To a South Milwaukee employer, hiring someone regularly under the influence of drugs means sacrificing dependability and competency, which severely compromises both service to your customers/clients and the workplace safety of all employees.
Although there is nothing wrong with being sympathetic to the sickness that is drug abuse, from a employer’s perspective gambling on someone with a substance abuse issue typically means lost productivity, smaller profits, and a greater chance for workplace mishaps and accidents.
Nearly half of all Worker’s Compensation claims are believed to derive from substance abuse at the workplace. Substance abusers are known to file three to five more Worker’s Compensation claims than non-users.
Medical claim expenses are also higher, with substance abusers incurring medical costs that are 300% higher than non-abusers.
The Benefits of a Drug Free Workplace
Drug screening protects businesses from the negative ramifications of employee drug or alcohol abuse. Small business owners in particular are especially at risk. These businesses employ up to 80% of the U.S. workforce and many neglect to implement drug testing policies and programs.
Considering that the absenteeism, decreased productivity, and higher healthcare costs associated with drug and alcohol abuse can cost a company up to $1000 per employee each year, the costs of not drug testing are significant enough to jeopardize the survival of an already struggling small-to-medium sized company or business.
Such issues can be avoided altogether by making your company or organization a drug free workplace. Not only will workplace drug screening minimize the likelihood of having to deal with the all-too-common job performance and absenteeism issues tied to drug abuse, but it also fosters a more positive workplace environment for employees. Outside of work, a drug free workplace program supports better lifestyle choices and a better quality of life for employees.
Business in America has been significantly impacted by illicit drug use. An estimated $160 billion each year is lost by U.S. businesses due to the implications of employee drug use. Business owners today are faced with the choice of risking the very stability of their business by employing people with substance abuse issues or ensuring themselves a drug free workplace.
What Does a Drug Free Work Program Involve
A drug free workplace program is a comprehensive approach that goes far beyond drug testing to include a written policy for employees, access to assistance, employee education, and supervisor training. It is an approach that has been adopted with success by varied business sectors ranging from the government to national franchises and local privately owned companies. Many unions have adopted the policy as well to identify themselves as “drug free.”
Employees may likely feel as if their freedoms are being imposed upon but the positives of a drug free workplace must be conveyed to them. Countless case studies have indicated that a well-planned drug free workplace program can boost productivity, reduce employee turnover, and limit the number of workplace accidents. Additionally, by avoiding investments in the wrong hires and no longer having to pay out the unnecessary costs associated with substance abusers – like more medical/insurance claims – companies can increase profit and cut losses, which often leads to increased wages and better employee morale.
