1. Safety
An employer has a duty of care to provide a safe working environment for employees. Workplace drug testing helps to ensure that health and safety standards are maintained throughout the company. Drug use impairs the ability of an individual to function in their daily activities. As well as illegal drugs, some legal drugs such as alcohol can also cause a problem for the employer.
More often than not it is drug usage outside of the workplace that causes a danger. The effects of taking drugs can last for hours, even days, so even if the employee is taking drugs outside of the business, the effects can cause problems in the workplace.
A well planned out drug-testing programme can help to identify safety risks and eliminate them. This will benefit the business, its employees and the wider population as a whole. When employees know that their colleagues are drug-free, it improves their morale, and they feel safe and reassured. A drug-free workplace, therefore, creates a positive work environment where employees can work harmoniously without fear of their safety, health or even reputation. Additionally, drug testing can prevent potential accidents caused by impaired employees, thereby protecting both the workforce and company assets.
2. Work Quality
As an employer you can generally decide who you want to employ, within the framework of the law. Drug testing at work can be used in pre-employment to identify potential risks as well as to make sure that your existing workforce’s performance is not adversely affected by drugs.
Drug testing at work can increase the quality of work by eliminating those that use drugs and who contribute less to the business. This improved work quality can lead to higher customer satisfaction and potentially increased revenue for the company.
3. Lower Health Insurance Costs
The cost of healthcare insurance to a company can be greatly reduced once a drug-testing programme has been implemented. Medical costs for accidents on the job that are drug related, or drug related illnesses, can all be significantly lowered. Lower health insurance costs also mean that a company can offer better healthcare benefits to its employees, thereby attracting and retaining top talent in the industry. This reduction in insurance costs can free up financial resources for other important areas of the business, such as employee training or equipment upgrades.
4. Lower Staff Turnover
Pre-employment drug screening can have a significant effect in lowering staff turnover. Not hiring individuals whose lifestyles may endanger co-workers is one way of making sure that the workplace is safe. It can also help the need to dismiss problem employees further down the line. By maintaining a stable workforce, companies can benefit from increased institutional knowledge and stronger team dynamics over time.
5. Reduced Recruitment Costs
By reducing staff turnover a company is saving money, as it does not need to recruit staff as often. Also, by creating a safer work environment, overall staff retention can be improved.
By implementing a comprehensive drug testing programme and fostering a safe, productive work environment, companies can significantly reduce their recruitment costs over time. A positive company culture with high employee retention attracts top talent, reducing the need for constant hiring. Furthermore, a reputation as a drug-free workplace can help a business stand out to potential job candidates, making recruiting efforts more efficient and cost-effective. Investing in employee well-being through drug testing programmes not only benefits current staff but also pays long-term dividends in reduced turnover and recruitment expenses. The savings on recruitment can be substantial, including costs associated with advertising positions, conducting interviews, and training new hires.
6. Lower Absenteeism
Research indicates that workplace drug testing can cut down on employee absences. Companies face steep costs from drug-related sick days and no-shows. Workers who use drugs tend to miss more than 8 days of work per year, 2.5 times more often than their coworkers. Beyond the financial hit, this pattern can also hurt team spirit and motivation among the staff.
Illicit drug use has a major effect on employee attendance, as people who abuse substances tend to skip work more often. Companies can cut down on absent workers by testing for drugs . A well-defined drug policy that’s always enforced stops employees from using substances that might cause them to miss work. Also, finding and helping workers who are dealing with addiction can get them the aid they need, which makes them healthier and more likely to show up. Taking a kind but strict approach to drugs at work leads to a staff you can count on to be there, which is good for the company’s bottom line. When fewer people miss work, it boosts output and helps keep customer service and project schedules on track.
7. Fewer Accidents
Accidents can happen but there is more chance of them happening when drugs are involved. Drug testing at work can act as a deterrent to drug abuse by employees. Knowing that they may be tested can often be enough to stop a person using drugs in a way that might affect their work performance.
When an accident takes place at work, the individuals involved should be drug tested to find out if drugs were a contributing factor to the incident.
If an employee is driving a vehicle or is in charge of heavy machinery, drug testing at work is essential not only for their safety, but also for those around them and those that they come into contact with. By reducing drug-related accidents, companies can avoid costly workers’ compensation claims and potential damage to expensive equipment or products.
8. A More Productive Workplace
It is estimated that users of drugs are one third less productive than their co-workers. Less productive workers hurt a business by making it less profitable. Increasing efficiency in the workplace will help the company realise its goals and will help to maintain staff morale. Increased productivity can lead to improved competitiveness in the market and potentially higher profits for the business.
9. Less Conflict in the Workplace
Drug taking can lead to disruption in the workplace as it can occasionally cause conflict between co-workers. Because drug taking can cause mood swings and irritability, this can sometimes lead to a less than harmonious workplace, which ultimately destroys staff morale and lowers productivity.
Regular workplace testing can assist in reducing the chances drugs disrupting the work environment. Drug testing at work lays the foundations for an effective and harmonious work environment. A more harmonious work environment can foster better collaboration and innovation among team members.
10. Avoid Legal Liability
Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. Failing to implement drug-testing programmes in the workplace exposes the company to legal liability if an employee causes harm to themselves or others due to drug use. By having a drug-testing programme in place, employers not only reduce accidents but also legal consequences. By implementing a drug testing programme, companies can demonstrate due diligence in maintaining workplace safety, which can be crucial in the event of any legal disputes.
Why Drug Testing at Work is Cost Effective
Drug-testing programmes in the workplace are an excellent way to promote safety, improve productivity, reduce healthcare cost, and avoid legal liabilities. A drug-free workforce means less absenteeism, improved employee morale, and creates a work environment conducive to growth and productivity. Companies that implement drug-testing programmes also demonstrate their commitment to a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.
The cost of drug testing employees on a regular basis is relatively low compared to the massive potential cost savings to the company. Innovations such as drug test cups make on-site testing easy for even the smallest of companies. If you are interested in starting drug testing at work, Zoom Testing may be able to help you get up and running in no time. Contact us today for free, impartial advice.
Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
