Last updated : December 23, 2024
The benefits of implementing a drug free workplace environment are far reaching. From better employee safety on the job to reducing company expenses, this is a topic that business owners should review and consider closely so that their employees can benefit from a better work environment.
Creating a Drug-Free Workplace
One of the first things that most business owners want to know is what’s involved in creating a drug free workplace. Creating a drug free workplace does not have to be difficult since there are many companies that have them in place. However, one of the first and most essential parts of any drug-free workplace is developing and initiating the policies that govern how the program will be administered.
These policies must be explicit and not ambiguous so that can be implemented fairly across the company. For instance, if any employee is caught with marijuana, ecstasy or cocaine on the company’s property, the policy should state immediate termination. This type of policy will not only prevent the employee from further inappropriate actions but it will also keep others around them safe from harm, especially in cases where they are operating heavy equipment.
In addition to creating a policy that govern violations, the policies should also be proactive. When the policies are proactive, candidates for external job positions are normally tested before they receive a job offer. In some cases, the offer letter may also state that the new job position is contingent upon them passing a drug test.
Reduction in Absenteeism and Improved Employee Morale
Many times companies can experience very high absenteeism rates. In some of these situations, the absenteeism rates may due to various kinds of drugs and alcohol abuse. In fact, management may be able to track these high turnover rates to various kinds of substance abuse cases (i.e. taking drugs like cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines). However, with a drug-free workplace environment being implemented, the rates of these incidences can drop to very few to zero.
When absenteeism rates are high, it can also have a direct impact on employee morale. Unfortunately, people who have substance abuse problems can have a large impact on whole operations when they do not show up for work on time. In some cases, other employees are normally tasked with filling in for the abusers by staying after hours to meet hard deadlines. With a DFWP in place, these repeated occurrences can be completely eliminated. Thereby, having a positive ripple affect on the entire organization and their morale.
Improved Safety for All
Some businesses operate functions that have a higher risk of injuries and accidents. Even when a person is completely free of any type of substance, accidents and injuries can occur. On the other hand, when an employee is performing one of the riskier job functions in an compromised state, they are normally considered to be accidents waiting to happen. Therefore, when the management in the company has implemented drug-free workplace programs, these employees can be identified prior to the acceptance of the job offer. Also, if an employee is coming to work with drugs in their system on a continuous basis, the management will reserve the right to either test all employees randomly or they may choose to test the employee under reasonable suspicion guidelines.
Reduction in Costly Health Benefits
While safety for all employees is the primary concern, the company is also in the business of making money by maximizing their bottom line profits. When a company has a large problem with people who have drug concerns, the profits can quickly shrink. This is because alcohol and drug consumption will normally lead to a wide variety of other health concerns and they are also expensive. With a drug-free work place program implemented, these concerns can be minimized since the workplace will be free from this kind of abuse to the human body.
Implementing an alcohol or drug free work place in a business does not have to be difficult, especially when the company can network with other firms that already have a drug free workplace policy in place. Fortunately, there are numerous advantages to implementing these kinds of programs. From reduction in injuries and accidents to improving employee morale, drug free work place has a wide array of things that can offer virtually any company like those in South Milwaukee.
