Drug Free Office Envio ment

When you consider that 77 percent of drug abusers in the U.S. are employed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it stands to reason that corporations want to encourage a safe drug free office environment. As most companies have developed a zero tolerance for drug use, many have made the decision to create a drug free office environment. However, there is a growing conce
as to how companies execute their policy.

Random Drug Testing

One of the policies that have been implemented by a large number of professional corporations are random urine drug testing. These tests randomly select employees to check for drug use and prevent the employee from cleaning their system. The purpose for random drug tests is to prevent accidents and casualties in the workplace that result from employees being under the influence of drugs.

Cuts Down on Work Place Accidents

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 33 to 50 percent of drug abusers are less productive than employees that do not use drugs. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, on average drug abusers miss 30 to 35 days annually which is three times as many as non drug users. Further, the Employee Assistance Society of North America, drug abusers are 40 percent more likely to be involved in a workplace accident and 50 percent more likely to file for worker’s comp.

Increases Employee Performance

With that in mind, employers that believe their employee performance is being hindered by drug use such as habitual tardiness or not reporting to work (presenting a disheveled appearance; or smell like marijuana; the company may require a drug test. While employees argue that these practices are a violation of their privacy, corporations counter that they have a right to protect company assets.

Offers Assistance through Programs

Developing drug abuse awareness training and making drug free work environment education part of a mandatory employment program may help to create a drug free office, while creating a safe working environment and also reduce the number of employees that have substance abuse issues.

For employees that have substance abuse, most employee insurance plans cover drug detox as well as drug rehab and treatment programs. Most companies offer additional counseling through the Employees Assistance Program.
Depending on the type of drug abuse, the frequency of drug use and how long drugs have been used, it may be necessary to enter a medical detox program to cleanse the drug toxins from your system before beginning drug rehab treatment.

Getting Help without Job Loss

Some individuals benefit by entering a rehab treatment or alte
ative program. Rehab treatment and alte
ative programs are available in resident and nonresident programs which will allow you to continue working and attend a program to help you stay on track and abstain from future drug use. The important thing is that most of the time, the employee who seeks helps will still have a job once they complete treatment.