Did you know that 19.4% of the United States population has used illicit drugs at least once?
Want to make sure that your employees are productive and not using drugs?
As an employer or business owner, you might be considering employment drug testing to screen applicants, as well as current employees.
Doing so can help identify employees with drug abuse problems and help get them the treatment they need. It can also improve productivity and morale, while reducing employee turnover.
Want to learn more about the impact of not drug testing employees? Keep reading.
The Benefits of Employment Drug Testing
Some business owners don’t think twice about their workplace drug testing policy. They might consider it complicated to implement without a significant upside. In reality, there are several major benefits to employee drug testing.
Workplace Safety
First of all, drug testing can greatly improve workplace safety. Employees under the influence of drugs or alcohol were responsible for 65% of on-the-job accidents, according to The U.S. Department of Labor.
Drugs can affect how individuals drive, operate machinery, and handle dangerous equipment. This puts not only the employee at risk, but also their co-workers.
Improved Productivity
The benefits of drug testing go beyond improving workplace safety. Drug testing can also help improve productivity and morale.
Reducing Errors
Employees who use drugs may have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and following instructions. This in turn, this can lead to poor work quality and increased mistakes.
Decreased Likelihood of Drug Abuse
Those who know that they may be drug tested are less likely to use drugs in the first place. This can reduce instances of drug use outside of the workplace as well.
And, if an employee does test positive for drugs, they can get a referral for treatment. This can prompt them to get the help they need to stay sober and be productive.
Minimized Absenteeism
Studies have shown that employees who use drugs are more likely to call in sick. As well as arrive late for work, or take longer breaks. Workers with substance use disorder miss an additional two work weeks annually.
Reduced Employee Turnover
Finally, drug testing can help to reduce employee turnover. Employees who use drugs are more likely to leave their jobs or get fired than those who do not use drugs.
For these reasons, having an employment drug testing policy can save the company money. It also contributes to improving employees’ well-being.
The Drawbacks of Not Having an Employment Drug Testing Policy
There are several reasons why you should test your employees for drugs. But what are the consequences of not testing them?
If you don’t test your employees, you may be hiring people who use drugs. This can lead to the problems associated with employee drug use. Individuals using drugs often gravitate towards to businesses that don’t have a drug testing program.
Also, consider if an accident were to happen in the workplace. If it’s later discovered that the employee was using drugs, you might be liable for costs. This could mean expensive lawsuits and damages.
Not testing employees can also create an environment where drug use is more likely to occur. If employees know that there is no drug testing, they may be more likely to use drugs, even at work.
Get Drug Test Kits Today
As you can see, there are several benefits to workplace drug testing. When it comes to selecting drug test kits, the most commonly used are urine drug test cups.
Drug testing helps improve workplace safety, productivity, and morale. Not to mention, it can save the company money in the long run. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference.
Are you having a hard time considering which one of the drug test kits you should buy? Consider DrugTestKitUSA to help you find the best solution for your business.