- 33% less productive.
- Responsible for health care costs that are three times as high. (ACDE 2).
All of the behaviors listed above cost the employer millions of dollars. Drug testing is a good way to eliminate those that are abusing and stop other before the addiction. .
Before you can start testing employees, a clear drug policy must be in place. This policy will legally protect you from lawsuits if the tests are performed within the perimeters of the policy. The policy needs to be in line with federal and state laws that apply to the company. The policy needs to contain four elements:.
- The purpose of the policy.
- How you do the drug testing. .
- The consequences of a positive result.
- What treatment is available to help the employees overcome their drug addiction?.
The purpose of the policy should be "protect the safety, health and well being of our employees, customers, and other members of the public." (Atkins 11) The way that testing will be done should be made clear to all employees. The different types of tests and how they are performed should also be made available to employees. The consequence should also be made very clear to employee. There needs to be penalties for drug abuse within the company. The penalties should apply to all members of the company, even management. The last element is the employee assistance programs. These programs will help the drug abuser cope with the difficulties of kicking the addiction. .
In order to introduce a new policy into a company, employees must be given time to stop or resign. The best way to start a drug-testing program is to educate the employees. This education will make your intentions for drug testing known and give employees that are currently engaged in drug use a chance to stop. .
There are four types of drug testing available to the employer. The four types are hair follicle, blood, urine, and saliva testing. Even the most expensive drug test is not 100% correct.