5 Steps to Starting a Drama-Free Testing Policy at Your Business

Think your business could benefit from employee drug testing? Discover how to seamlessly establish and execute a new drug testing policy.

If you’ve got employees, odds are you have enough drama already, whether it’s office drama or disagreements from coworkers.

When it comes to your drug testing policy, it’s important to have things put into place that will give you peace of mind while keeping your business drama-free.

Check out these five helpful steps that’ll ensure your company’s drug testing procedures run smoothly so you can skip the drama.

1. Make Things Crystal Clear

In order to prevent drama in the workplace, your drug testing policy needs to be clear as glass. Write out every single guideline and expectation, and make sure that every new and old employee has an updated copy.

If there are some things you need to change, revisit the policy and read it over thoroughly. Talk to your human resources department so you can discuss anything that may need updating for your new drug testing at work policy.

Consistency is key when it comes to any kind of business policy, so make sure that every single person is abiding by the same rules. Have your employees sign the latest copy and give them one for their records.

If everyone at your business is on the same page, it can help keep drama to a minimum.

2. Timing is Everything

In most cases, employers require their new hires to take a drug test as a condition of employment. For many, this is the only time they’ll ever need to take one.

But some businesses also perform random drug tests. If you decide to go this route, that’s something your employees need to be aware of. If someone gets “hit” with a random drug test and doesn’t pass, they could not only be upset but also angry if they weren’t aware that this was part of the company policy to begin with.

Another important element of company drug testing is enforcing tests after an injury. If someone gets injured at work, they may have to take a drug test whether they want to or not.

Drug testing after an injury can absolve you from liability, and it keeps everyone else on the job site safe too.

3. Your Drug Testing Policy Should Comply with the Law

Even if your business is located in a state like Colorado where marijuana is legal, it’s still considered illegal under federal law. You may want to speak with an attorney to find out the current rights and responsibilities that you hold as an employer.

Some companies still opt to drug test their employees in states where marijuana is legal. This policy is put into place to protect you from any unforeseen drug-related issues.

Have your human resources department stay up to date on the latest laws in your state since they’re frequently changing. By understanding what your rights and responsibilities are as an employer, you can spare yourself tons of drama.

4. Consider the Necessity of Drug Testing

While drug testing is essential for, say, dangerous workplaces where injuries are more common, it might not be necessary for an office setting. Not only is drug testing expensive, but it can also have other negative consequences.

If you perform random drug tests, it can create a feeling of distrust among your employees. They may feel that you don’t trust them, and it can also create a sense of uncertainty from day to day.

Drug abuse and its effect on the workplace can be costly in many ways. The only way to respond to the problem is by being proactive. Take action before a problem occurs. Identify and prevent costly accidents or problematic employees by controlling the workplace environment. How to do this? Set up a drug testing program. Drug test kits can be given to potential recruits before the final decision is made in the hiring process. A monthly random drug screening will serve in discouraging employees from drug use when they understand that a drug test could be waiting for them every month. You’ll either need to pay for kits that you use in the office or pay a contract fee to an outside company who performs the drug testing for you.

Whichever way you choose, employer drug testing might not be something you absolutely have to do. Check with your laws and find out if you’re legally mandated to perform drug testing.

If you’re not obligated to enforce drug tests and you feel it’s something you can live without, it may be best to skip it altogether.

5. Be Aware of the Rules

With so many detailed laws and rules in place, it’s absolutely imperative that your business is familiar with all of them before you decide to drug test employees. There have been cases where people claim that these tests are a violation of privacy, so be very aware of the current regulations.

Most federal employees must have a drug test as a condition of employment, but this doesn’t usually apply to private companies. Draft a thorough consent form for each person, and have them read and sign it to protect themselves and yourself.

When you know all of the fine print and the current laws, you’ll be much better prepared to protect your company as well as your employees. If you do decide to test, you can hang signs to remind everyone that this is a drug-free workplace.

By fully understanding the best practices when it comes to drug testing, you’ll be able to prevent added drama. It’s always best to have a welcoming place of employment where your workers trust you and the company to work in their best interest.

Drug Testing Can be Drama-Free

Having a thorough drug testing policy in place is the best way to ensure that your business is spared excess drama. Be sure to keep your policy current with the law, and always have your employees sign new ones as they’re drafted.

With some common sense and an open, honest drug test policy, everyone should have no problem with your company’s drug testing rules.

For more information on drug testing in the workplace and other drug-related articles, be sure to visit our website.