Drug abuse is unarguably a menace to society. In fact, it has caused severe damage not only to families but to businesses in general. Some governments have even fallen prey to its vicious ways.
One of the most devastating forms of this dreadful habit is drug abuse in the workplace. It is so destructive it can negatively affect many aspects of a business including diminished productivity and loss of revenue. It can even result in consequences not only to the drug abuser but to their co-workers as well.
Drug-related incidents in the workplace have made employers concerned of the ill effects of drug addiction. In fact, many if not all of them are already working with corporate drug testing companies to make drug testing a part of their hiring process. The desire to achieve a drug-free workplace has become a “battlecry” for many business establishments.
Here are the most important reasons why drug testing is important in the world of business:
1. Drug Testing Enhances Safety in the Workplace
Illicit drugs may bring a user to a state of euphoria, but it can impair his judgment and increase the risk for accidents. No business is immune from the harmful consequences of drug abuse, but its risks are especially high in certain industries like construction, transportation, and logistics.
Drug abuse is the root-cause of 50% of on-the-job-accidents. It only shows how this habit is capable of destroying lives, property and investment. Companies should seriously prevent it by drug-testing current employees and job candidates. This should keep their workplace drug-free and make sure that their workers can maintain a quality life.
2. It Helps to Boost Employee Performance
Drug testing is a good deterrent to drug abuse. It makes employees refrain from using illicit drugs in order to avoid disciplinary actions. As a result, employees become more sober and focused on their tasks throughout their tenure.
3. It Works to Enhance Productivity and Increase Profits
One of the most common yet lethal effects of drug addiction is absenteeism which is the main cause of back logs and missed deadlines. As you know, poor employee performance plays a major role in reduced profits. Not only that, drug addiction is the cause of up to 40% of pilferage and thefts in the workplace.
4. It Reduces Turnover Rates
Testing job candidates for drug abuse can help a business to hire employees who have the ability and focus to deliver company expectations. It also eliminates or reduces the likelihood that they will be fired for any reason. It is an effective tool that allows you to identify applicants who can work and stay with you longer.
5. Drug Testing Reduces Your Company’s Medical Costs
Drug abuse can trigger side effects which can be mistaken for natural illnesses. This can translate to additional medical cost to employers. According to a study, the business sector loses about $140 billion annually due to drug abuse.
By conducting workplace drug testing, employers will be able to lower their costs because it will reduce workplace accidents and drug-related illnesses which are primary requisites for reduced health insurance premiums.
Drug testing is really beneficial. It reduces costs for employers, improves the health and productivity of employees, and make their families happy.
Presently, a majority of employers conduct drug tests only to candidates for employment and leave their current employees alone. But due to the increasing incidence of drug addiction in the workplace, many employers are prompted to make random testing of current company workforce a part of their company’s policy.
Studies show that about 10% of employed Americans 18 to 49 years of age admit to have used illegal drugs at some point. This is a bad sign for businesses that you should prevent.. For this reason, you must develop measures to minimize or eliminate it with help from professional drug testing agencies like the drug testing Melbourne, FL specialists.
With drug abuse out of the picture, your business and your employees’ families will certainly have a happy and bright future.