Workplace drug testing can be a controversial issue with today’s workforce. Central to the controversy are assumptions as to what drug testing can and cannot achieve. But within this day and age, and especially with a growing opioid epidemic on our hands, it has never been more important.
At GroupOne Background Screening, we work daily to check references, history and qualifications, but we also recommend a drug screen for substance abuse. In fact, your company should insist on a preference for non-drug users. GroupOne would like to offer 10 reasons why drug screenings make sense.
1. Safety
Workplace drug testing is about maintaining health and safety standards. Drug use impairs a person’s ability to function in their professional life. Even if drug use is restricted to personal hours, the effects are long lasting. Drug testing helps to identity safety risks and eliminate them. This benefits the company as well as the employees.
2. Work Quality
Employers have a right to decide on the type of person they want on their team. A drug-testing program ensures an employee’s work is not affected by substance abuse. Drug-testing raises the quality of work by eliminating employees who use drugs and therefore, contribute less to the company.
3. Reduced Health Insurance Costs
Remember this number – substance abusers incur 300% higher medical costs than non-users. Workplace drug testing greatly reduces health insurance premiums and health costs for your company. By reducing the amount of medical costs related to job accidents and drug-related illness, companies significantly reduce overall costs.
4. Reduced Turnover
Simply put – workplace drug testing reduces turnover. Pre-employment testing is essentially about mitigating the risk of hiring someone you may have to fire in the future.
5. Reduced Absenteeism
Workplace drug testing is proven to successfully reduce absenteeism. Drug-related absenteeism and sick leave is costly. A substance abuser is 2.5 times more likely to be absent eight-plus days a year.
6. Reduced Accidents
Hey, accidents happen. But accidents are more likely to occur when drugs are involved. If a serious accident occurs at work, an immediate drug test is essential. This ensures that if drugs are a factor, it is documented and can be dealt with immediately. The potential of drug testing will also decrease an employee’s future drug use and thus, reduce the potential for accidents.
7. Lower Recruitment Costs
Fewer turnovers mean lower recruitment costs. The cost of hiring, firing and training is expensive. Did you know it costs a business on average $7,000 to replace a salaried worker? By hiring the right employee, costs are contained and good employees retained.
8. More Productive Workplaces
Substance abusers are 1/3 less productive in the workplace. Productivity is paramount to your company’s success. If you increase efficiency, then you are more likely to meet company goals. Drug users slow down productivity, perform with less efficiency and disrupt morale.
9. Reduced Conflict
Conflict in the work place can result in diminished productivity and effectiveness. It is common for drug users to suffer from mood swings and irrational behavior. This creates conflict and is not conducive to a harmonious workplace. Workplace drug testing programs can expose and eliminate these uncomfortable situations.
10. Fewer Thefts and Claims
There has been a proven reduction in thefts and claims in companies where workplace drug testing is practiced. Such programs significantly contribute to a safer, productive and conflict-free environment.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at GroupOne should you have questions about our drug screening services.