Guide: The Components of a Drug-Free Business

You might be wondering whether your office is absolutely drug-free or management is too lenient, even turning the other cheek and keeping mum about issues you don’t know about. Talk to your direct supervisor about your concerns or look around the workplace. There are some telltale signs you can pick up on if your office is helping the state fight against drugs.

Management is verbal about their stance on drug abuse.

Memos may not be necessary unless there’s reason to believe one or more people in the office are guilty of using illegal drugs. A simple day-to-day reminder could be a poster or sign on a wall similar to “We are a drug-free workplace.” These might also be observed in employment ads and entrances or the workplace lobby. In fact, it’s mandated by law in some states to place these signs.

The firm conducts pre-employment and on-the-job drug tests.

Your employer ensures every candidate for hire is screened for drugs before offered a position in the company and, also, conducts random drug tests on workers. Investing in good quality drug testing kits also reflects managements’ vigilance and seriousness when it comes to the issue of drug abuse. Companies can use home marijuana test kits as long as they ensure these tools accurately assess factors and samples. Uniform tests with exceptions applied in justifiable situations only show the firm’s non-biased approach to the testing.

The company keeps employees informed and educated.

Materials such as pamphlets containing necessary information about illegal drugs and the effects of drug abuse are circulated among workers for their knowledge. Every organization must recognize that, while leaders are expected to be at the forefront of this war on drugs, it will be much better prevented with the participation of the entire body. Yet members can’t be expected to make informed choices and alert for possible warning signs of co-workers involved in drugs when left ignorant. Related trainings and seminars are also provided.

The organization has a written drug-free workplace policy.

Having it down in writing expresses the importance of a certain issue, particularly if a policy is put in place. A policy would keep your employees guided on what to do when they find themselves in corresponding situations. They’re also briefed prior of what to expect for people willingly involved in drug abuse.

Workers are more productive.

Because mental, physical and emotional abilities are imbalanced and hampered with continuous drug abuse, employees with this ill habit are inclined to frequent absenteeism and greater difficulty in meeting expected output standards. Those who keep away from using drugs are better able to make decisions and perform at work.

Employees are relaxed and confident in their safety within the workplace.

Regular drug users are a potential threat to anyone within their vicinity due to impaired judgement and intense emotions which may be easily triggered. When employees are certain or find it highly unlikely for any co-worker to be under the influence of illegal drugs, they create a lighter, more positive environment. They can be themselves more without worrying too much about mistakenly provoking someone to violence without due cause.