Last updated : November 25, 2024
Did you know 76% of adult illegal drug users are employed? It is no surprise then that many companies today are beginning to implement drug free workplace policies which include mandatory drug testing for all employees. Here are a few other reasons employers are taking this action:
More efficient productivity
Workers who use illegal drugs are less likely to be on time, more likely to be absent altogether, and have a greater chance of making errors on the job than those who do not use drugs. Taking these employees out of the equation gives the company a better chance to thrive and can greatly boost morale. If an employee can spend their time focusing on their job, instead of continuously needing to take the slack of another individual who is always missing or tardy, that employee will be more motivated to excel and remain with the company.
Protect employees and customers/clients
As stated above, drug users are more apt to make errors; this can have very serious consequences for employee and public safety. In addition, over time many drug users often turn to selling drugs to support their habit, which can spill over into the workplace.
Employer benefits
Several states have begun to offer a 5% to 10% discount on annual insurance premiums for employers who implement workplace drug testing that comply with all applicable rules and laws of that state. Some health care providers also offer group benefit discounts for employer executed drug testing. In addition, if workplace drug policies are in place, many states have laws that disqualify an employee from receiving unemployment compensation if the job loss is drug related.
Deter Drug Use
Persons using illegal drugs will be dissuaded from applying for a job where they know employees are tested for drug use. Testing can also encourage recovering drug users from ‘falling back off the wagon’.
Public Relations
Administering drug testing to employees shows the public that the company has integrity and cares about the safety and well-being of their workers and customers. Drug use affects everyone with higher taxes, insurance rates, health care costs, and consumer prices as well as higher crime rates. If a company demands a drug free workplace, this reassures the public that illegal behavior will not be tolerated. Holding each employee responsible for his or her own actions proves the business is professional, trustworthy, and cares about the community as a whole.
If you are a business owner or manager in the South Milwaukee area and are interested in setting up a Drug Free Workplace Program, USA Mobile Drug Testing can help. A dedicated compliance specialist will come to your place of business to help you implement your program, help establish a Drug Free Policy, and educate and train your employees and supervisors. Because USA Mobile Drug Testing comes to your company to handle all drug and alcohol screening services, there is no employee travel or downtime. You can also rest assured that all testing is done by experienced, expert staff through a secure, web-based, state of the art, electronic infrastructure.
