7 Reasons to Have Drug Testing for Your Business

Over 70 percent of Americans with substance addictions are part of the workforce.

Drug use in the workplace is a serious problem facing many employers. Fortunately, it’s also an easy problem to fix and one companies can fix themselves.

More and more businesses are drug testing their employees. If your business lacks a drug testing policy, you are behind your competition.

Keep reading for 6 reasons you should start drug testing your employees today. 

1. Workplace Safety

The number one concern for business owners and managers is the safety of their employees and guests.

Drug use impairs physical and mental abilities and leads to poor job performance. When employees aren’t thinking clearly and aren’t focused or are experiencing physical impairments, they are more likely to have accidents.

These types of accidents can lead to injuries and fatalities that affect not just the impaired employee but other staff and guests as well.

Accidents can prove to be more likely or more fatal in certain industries. For example, companies whose employees operate heavy machinery should always have a drug testing protocol in place. 40 percent of fatalities in industrial workplaces are caused by employees with a substance abuse problem.

However, drug use doesn’t discriminate by industry. Every industry should implement a drug testing policy to protect its staff, property, and guests. 

2. Improved Productivity

Drug testing employees leads to improved productivity overall.

This is because employees who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol aren’t likely to perform to the best of their ability. When their job performance suffers, your entire workforce is affected.

Chances are, the work that each employee does has an impact on the work of others and the workforce as a whole. When you eliminate the problem of employees underperforming because of drugs and alcohol, you will see improved productivity on a small and large scale.

When you help employees who are struggling with addiction get sober, they will do better. When they perform better, they will be rewarded for their improved performance both intrinsically and by receiving better performance reviews and other potential benefits. This leads to an improvement in morale. 

3. Improved Morale

Along the same lines, when your workforce is free of drug use, your employees will have a better perception of your business and your management team.

Drug testing shows that you care about the physical and mental health of your employees and that workplace safety is a priority. It also shows that you care about your employees as people and that you want to help with addictions.

When you show your staff that you care, you’ll see an improvement in morale. When workers are underperforming because of drug use and you aren’t doing anything about it, other employees will feel less motivated to do their best. The opposite is true when you invest in your employees as individuals. 

4. Preventing Liability

Did you know that impaired employees can hurt your bottom line if they cause an accident?

It’s often not hard to tell when an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Employees that are willing to come to work while impaired are likely to be habitual offenders.

When you or your staff are aware of an employee’s habit and don’t do anything about the problem, you could be legally liable if they cause an accident that harms someone else. This includes bodily injury, property damage, and even wrongful death.

You can protect yourself from this sort of lawsuit by drug testing your employees on a regular basis as well as if you suspect a certain employee has a problem. This will demonstrate that you have done everything you can to prevent an accident of this nature.

Maintaining a safe workplace will help prevent your insurance rates from going up as well. 

5. Improved Public Image

Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever for information to spread about what it’s like to work for your company.

At the same time, your public image is more important than ever. Workers have many choices when it comes to choosing an employer. No one wants to work somewhere that has a reputation for letting employees come to work while under the influence or at a workplace that is known for being unsafe.

By implementing a drug testing policy, you are showing potential employees that you care about their safety and expect the best from your employees. This is an easy way to attract top talent. 

6. A Chance to Help Your Employees

Finally, drug testing is a way to help your employees be not only the best workers but the best humans they can be.

Drug testing shouldn’t be about disciplining your workers or embarrassing them. Rather, drug testing is a chance to open a line of communication with your employees and offer them a chance to get help with their addiction.

You won’t be able to identify workers with a problem unless you are drug testing them. Ultimately, drug testing your employees is an investment in them as workers and as people. 

Drug Testing in Your Workplace

No matter what industry your company is a part of, you need a drug testing policy.

Drug testing is a cost-effective and easy way to identify employees with problems and a chance to help them. With each employee you help, you’ll make a positive impact on your staff as a whole and your industry.

Click here to learn more about how to purchase drug tests in bulk and get started drug testing your employees today.