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It is becoming a popular choice among employers to implement drug and alcohol testing in the workplace. It is important for employers and business owners to ensure they are hiring only professionals and trust individuals to work for their company. Drug and alcohol workplace testing allows employers to ensure they are hiring trusted candidates, as well as keeping the company in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Methods Of Drug Testing
There are five methods for workplace drug testing:
Pre-employment drug test
Random drug testing
Annual physical test
Post-accident test
Post-treatment test
What Are The Reasons For Drug Testing?
It is important that note that when companies feel the need to issue drug tests to their staff, there has to be a ‘drug and alcohol testing policy’ within the company policy itself. This grants the company permission. However, consent still has to be gained from each individual, and every employee has the right to refuse.
Here are some reasons why employers may introduce drug testing:
Maintain A Reputation
It is vital for a company to maintain a good reputation. The way in which a company is viewed can directly impact sales, profits, customer loyalty, and online presence. By employers ensuring that their staff are physically and mentally stable to take on important job roles, make decisions, handle finances, and maintain good working relationships, they can sustain a positive reputation.
Increase Work Productivity
Drugs have a negative impact on the way in which our body and mind’s function. They can weaken our bodies, cloud judgment, damage memory, and increase fatigue. These consequences impact workplace productivity and causes potential errors and illogical choices being made. It is important for employers to ensure their employees are motivated, and in the right headspace to carry out responsibilities efficiently.
Supporting Employees In Need
Drug addiction can affect anyone. If a colleague has a positive drug test result, it gives the employer an opportunity to offer support, advice, and guidance to the employees who may have fallen victim to addiction. They can offer paid sick leave for rehabilitation purposes, as well as guide them through seeking the right support.
Employees Represent Your Company
Your employees are the people who represent your company. They carry out the work, and are often the ones offering ideas, input, and decisions. You want to ensure that these are people who you can rely on to aid your company’s success. Furthermore, poor employee morale and a negative environment can sway potential new colleagues and business partners away from working with you.
Final Words
Drug testing in the workplace should take place only when deemed necessary and/or throughout the recruitment stage, especially if the job role consists of handling heavy duty machinery and transportation. This procedure should be taken into consideration in order to align with the health and safety workplace laws and legislation.
