Workplace drug and alcohol testing can save small businesses money in lost productivity, accidents, and healthcare costs. However, developing and implementing a solid policy can take time for employers.
For example, screening policies that single out people with slurred speech or disorientation may be considered discrimination. So, what are the long-term benefits of a drug testing program?
Increased Productivity
Drug and substance abuse testing in the workplace can increase productivity for your company by allowing employees to focus on their work and not on their problems. This increased focus also helps employees perform better on the job and complete tasks promptly. Employers with strict drug testing policies have less trouble recruiting and hiring new employees. This helps cut down on employee turnover, which can have a direct impact on your bottom line. Workers who use drugs on the job are more likely to miss work and have trouble concentrating while they are at work. They are more likely to cause an accident or file a workers’ compensation claim, which can be expensive for the employer. Periodic drug tests that are done on a predictable schedule help to encourage sobriety and prevent drug misuse. By lowering the expense of worker’s compensation claims and averting lawsuits, it can also help employers save money. Selecting a reputable drug and substance abuse testing Victorville CA center is crucial for your company to maintain the integrity of your workplace and safeguard the well-being of your employees. A trustworthy testing center not only ensures accurate and confidential results but also helps uphold your organization’s reputation and compliance with legal requirements.
Reduced Absenteeism
Drug abuse in the workplace costs employers billions annually due to lost productivity, accidents, and employee turnover. A well-rounded drug testing program can help you cut these costs by identifying employees with addictions and offering treatment and rehabilitation benefits to help them get healthy again. Having a solid and clear drug testing policy in place can also help you reduce absenteeism by helping to ensure that your employees show up to work when they are supposed to be there. This can help you avoid costly delays and misunderstandings that may result in missing work or not finishing projects on time. Some critics of drug testing argue that it is unfair to penalize employees for using illegal drugs outside of the workplace, significantly if this use does not impact their job performance at work. However, it is essential to note that urine, saliva, and hair samples can detect substance use that happened hours or even weeks earlier.
Reduced Employer Liability
Drug testing is one way to mitigate risk by ensuring a safe and productive workplace. In addition to direct costs of lost productivity, drug abuse in the workplace can lead to costly insurance claims and lawsuits from injuries and accidents caused by impaired workers. Testing also helps to prevent an employer from hiring an employee who has a substance abuse problem. A urine test can detect the presence of alcohol and some illegal drugs, but it doesn’t reveal a person’s current level of intoxication. A blood test is more accurate, but it’s expensive and invasive. A saliva test is less invasive and provides results within minutes to hours. Employers often administer drug tests before an offer is made, during the hiring process, after a workplace accident, and randomly or periodically. However, any testing policy that singles out employees with addictions or perceived addictions for reasons other than safety may be a violation of federal anti-discrimination laws.
Increased Employee Satisfaction
Drug abuse costs businesses billions of dollars a year in lost productivity, accidents, turnover, legal liabilities, and workers’ compensation claims. A clearly defined drug testing policy, training for supervisors, and assistance programs to help employees overcome addiction and recover are essential steps for business success. Pre-employment drug testing is a standard practice in many industries because it can mitigate workplace risks and increase job performance. This can reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and sick days and improve safety for everyone. Periodic drug testing is conducted on a regular schedule that employees know to expect. While some employees view this as an effective deterrent against substance abuse, others resent it as intrusive and feel that their rights are violated. In addition, firing a long-term employee over a positive test result could lead to a negative impact on morale and leave them in need of treatment with nowhere to turn. Therefore, it is best to administer periodic tests with other policies and procedures, such as a company wellness program or an annual physical exam.