How to Convince Your Management to Start a Workplace Drug Testing Program

Are you an employee who’d like to see your workplace improved by adding a drug testing program but you aren’t sure how to discuss it with management? There are a few different things you can bring up when you discuss this idea with your managers that will help aid your case. The addition of a drug testing program can be a major investment for most any place of business especially in a workplace that falls under the small business heading, try a few of these topics.

Money Well Spent: While there is a certain level of investment involved with starting a drug testing program, the cost is more than worth it overall. When a workplace begins drug testing it reduces the rate of substance abuse in its workers, a group that is roughly 57.4% of the overall estimated number of drug users. They also enhance overall productivity, help to lower stress levels, reduce unnecessary sick days, improve health and reduce the rate and risk of workplace accident and injury. On average for every $1 spent on a drug prevention program, $20 are returned to that business.

Workplace Safety: Whether the job is in an office or a place where safety is of even higher importance such as a factory, substance abuse can do a lot of harm. By adding a drug testing program, the management can improve worksite safety and reduce the incidence of workplace property damage and injury. These are major factors for jobs where heavy machinery is involved. When drug testing is done before such work, it can help keep employees who may be inebriated or otherwise affected by substance abuse from using this equipment and causing damage.

Better Work Environment: Often whether the employer knows or not, other employees are aware of the substance abuse affecting co-workers. Knowing can often interfere with that employee’s work as much as the work of the one using drugs. If other employees are picking up the slack of a substance abusing employee, it can create tension in the workplace, delaying productivity and causing stress for the staff as a whole. A drug testing program can reduce the presence of such abuse and improve interaction between employees.

Helping the Substance Abuser: Many businesses offer drug testing programs that provide counseling for employees affected by substance abuse both without positive drug tests results and with them. This type of program gives employers the opportunity to help the employee resolve the problem without having to fire them. It also helps to maintain the privacy of the employee and their drug testing results.

Improved Insurance Rates: Many businesses provide some form of insurance to their employees. The employee’s overall health and any work related injuries are usually covered by these programs and cost the employer at least a percentage of the cost for any such care. Substance abusers are more likely to be injured or to have accidents; moreover, they are likely to increase the rate of both in other employees. This raises the rate of pay that must be covered by an employer. When substance abuse is clearly prohibited it reduces the rate of these incidence.