Last updated : December 16, 2024
Substance abuse disrupts the workplace in many ways. An employee’s job performance is the first tell-tale sign, however, the fact that it’s caused by drug use may go unnoticed for a time. Eventually, though, unless the employee quits their job and moves on—a likely scenario—the issue comes to light.
Drug use causes cognitive, behavioral, and emotional impairment and can affect an employee’s productivity, morale, and safety—both that of themselves and their co-workers. We, usually, tend to think of the financial loss attributed to substance abuse in the workplace, however, when a co-worker has been critically injured—or worse—the entire work culture can be changed forever.
It’s everywhere
Employees who use drugs walk all paths of life, meaning that this problem is found among blue-collar workers, the middle class, and white-collar professionals alike. Construction workers and certain service industries have the highest rates of substance abuse. At the other end of the general workforce spectrum, we find that educators, individuals working in protective services, and healthcare professionals have the lowest rates of drug use. The safety-sensitive workforce, which includes truck drivers and airplane pilots, has high rates of substance abuse in their ranks as well.
There are many reasons given for drug use in the workplace. Of course, they’re in addition to the fact that some employees are already addicted to drugs, such as opioids, amphetamines, or even marijuana, at the time of employment.
Job stress
Carrying a normally heavy workload, working long hours, or having a job requiring multi-tasking to keep everything flowing smoothly throughout the company can be stressful. Some employees admit to using drugs to “calm down” which enables them to carry out their duties.
Loneliness
Feeling as if you don’t fit in can trigger anxiety. Some employees admit to using drugs at work to alleviate those types of feelings which allows them to be more “approachable.”
Workplace culture supports drinking
Studies show that male-dominated industries often support alcohol use as normal behavior. The construction industry is well-known for “cracking open a beer” on-site after a long day. It’s estimated that one in five construction workers struggles with some form of substance use disorder.
Additionally, some companies don’t frown on ordering drinks with lunch unless, perhaps, the employee imbibes too freely before returning to the office. Other industries that suffer from alcohol-related issues are utilities, food service, manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture.
Lack of supervision
Sadly, the adage, “When the cat’s away, the mice will play,” applies to drug users in the workplace. If someone who has a problem with drugs or alcohol is left unsupervised for extended periods, the temptation to use while at work could be too much for them. Employees who log time on the road, such as insurance representatives or delivery personnel, may face the same temptation.
Substance abuse in the workplace proves detrimental
We mentioned that employees who use drugs are proven to become less productive over time. We also mentioned the fact that drug use causes mental and physical impairment. This puts the employee and others around him at an increased risk of being involved in an accident.
Workplace accidents happen more frequently within companies that don’t have a drug-free program in place. Employers who want to offer their employees the safest environment possible, drug test. Some only require a pre-employment drug test, others incorporate random testing throughout the year.
Whatever a specific company’s policies and procedures are in an attempt to operate a drug-free business, the fact that there is a drug-free program in place proves their dedication to safety. The number of workplace accidents and injuries goes down after declaring a company drug-free.
There are other negative impacts caused by substance abuse in the workplace.
Absenteeism, tardiness, and high turnover
Another detrimental effect that substance abuse has on the workplace, is the fact that absenteeism increases. So does the time lost to employees showing up late for work. Drug users aren’t well-known for being responsible. If they stayed up thanks to a drug-induced state to party on into the night, making sure they are up and out the door so they aren’t late for work isn’t always a priority. Most won’t be too concerned about the consequences of calling in sick or mosying in hours after they were supposed to arrive.
Many come with an “it was an emergency” excuse ready to flow from their lips. If it happens repeatedly, however, and is coupled with other red flags, say sleeping on the job or irrational behavior, reasonable suspicion could be invoked.
If your company suffers a high turnover rate, drug use could play a part in it. Employees who suspect they may soon be found out for using drugs will sometimes terminate employment rather than risk a positive drug test result. On the other hand, employees who don’t use drugs but have expressed concerns about co-workers may decide to seek employment elsewhere too.
Desperate times
The deeper someone sinks into the depths of addiction, the more desperate they may become. Subsequently, pouring all available resources into keeping the supply in hand causes other areas of life to suffer. The inability to pay bills, buy food, and keep a roof over the family’s head pales in comparison to doing without their drug of choice.
Instances of stealing from the office are higher among companies that don’t drug test.
Employee morale suffers
When there is a concern that drug abuse is tolerated in the workplace, company morale suffers. Working with someone suspected of drug use causes concern and worry. Not to mention the added stress of repeatedly covering for someone who doesn’t show up.
Employees who feel unsafe at work aren’t likely to give it their all because they’re anxious or stressed out. That results in lower productivity. Turnover might become an issue too, and even more so if it’s the non-drug users who are abandoning ship.
Drug-free programs work
Employers who implement a drug-free workplace are rewarded with the following benefits.
- Safer work environment, accidents decrease
- Increased productivity
- Less absenteeism
- Tardiness decreases
- Positive work culture
Moreover, some states offer companies lower worker’s compensation premiums if they switch to a drug-free workplace.
Employees who are comfortable with their work environment tend to stay put. That’s a plus in and of itself for several reasons! If you don’t already drug test your employees, it’s something to consider. Drug testing companies, like ours, often offer services to help you write—and customize—your policies and procedures to ensure you remain in compliance with state laws.
Don’t hesitate to reach out.
