One of the major roadblocks to drug testing in the workplace has been the perceived "invasion of employee privacy." But more and more, employees are responding favorably to drug testing in the workplace because they see it as a means of self-protection. A drug-addicted co-worker poses a threat to the safety and productivity of everyone around him.
A drug-free workplace insures a safer, more productive, and therefore more profitable working environment. But if you’re still not convinced, consider the warning of Randall W. Montalbano in a related article published in The PEO Insider: "If your competitors are drug testing, and you are not...guess who gets the rejects? Workers terminated from one company, in one industry, generally continue to seek employment in the same industry."
More and more frequently, employers protect their "bottom line" by implementing random drug testing.
Companies which used a random drug testing program reported a whopping decrease of 63.7% in worker’s compensation claims. Injury rates reportedly lowered by 22.3%.
Montalbano continues: "One mechanical contractor firm paid $2 million a year in claims prior to implementing a drug-testing program. The first year their program was in place, they paid only $1.26 million. At the close of the second year, the total for insurance claims was only $264,000. You do the math."
Consult with the Human Resource Department at your PEO if you are concerned about possible drug abuse among your employees, but remember that suspicion of abuse needs to be carefully documented, and drug testing can only be performed within the guidelines of previously set company policy.
Percentage of employees with drug addictions- by industry
- Eating and Drinking Establishments 16.3%
- Furniture and appliance retail 16.3%
- Advertising, Consulting 13.1%
- Construction 12.2%
- Printing and publishing 11.7%
- Auto Supply and Gas Stations 11.2%
A Means of Self-Protection: 71% of illegal drug users are employed, and according to the Federal Government, 65% of all drug users earn at least $25,000 per year.
Source: The PEO Insider
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