5 Benefits of Employee Drug Testing

Do you worry about the safety of your employees while they're on the job? Drug use in the workplace can lead to many dangerous situations, from car accidents to injuries sustained at work. That's why it's essential to implement Employee Drug Testing policies in your business.

Drug abuse in the workplace is a serious issue. It can lead to decreased productivity, increased healthcare costs, and even fatalities. Today, we will discuss the benefits of employee drug testing and why you should consider implementing a drug testing program in your workplace.

Why Is Employee Drug Testing Important?

Drug abuse and misuse are growing problems in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nearly 21 million Americans aged 12 and older struggle with a substance use disorder. And this problem is not limited to illegal drugs — prescription drug abuse is also a serious issue. Your staff may not even realize that they're using prescription medications in an unsafe manner, opening the door to workplace incidents.

If you're concerned about the safety of your employees and workplace, employee drug testing is a great solution. Drug testing can help you identify employees using drugs, so you can get them the help they need before it's too late. As a bonus, implementing a drug testing policy can bring very concrete benefits to your business.

5 Benefits of Employee Drug Testing

1. Reduction in Healthcare Costs

Employee drug testing can lead to a reduction in healthcare costs for your business. According to a study by NIDA, employees who abuse drugs cost employers nearly $81 billion annually in lost productivity, accidents, and absenteeism. Furthermore, employees who use drugs are also more likely to file workers' compensation claims and require health insurance benefits. By testing employees and identifying those with substance abuse disorders, you can get them the help they need before their addiction leads to an accident or injury.

2. Decreased Downtime and Turnover

Implementing employee drug testing can also lead to decreased downtime and turnover in your business. Employees who use drugs are more likely to call in sick, resulting in lost productivity. In addition, employees who abuse drugs are more likely to quit or be fired, leading to increased turnover. Employee drug testing can help you identify these employees early on and help them overcome their issues to continue employment or part ways before their behavior impacts your bottom line.

3. State and Federal Compliance

In some states and industries, employee drug testing is required by law. If you're subject to state or federal regulations, implementing testing can help you ensure compliance. In addition, many businesses choose to drug test their employees as a best practice, even if it's not required by law.

4. Improved Productivity

Employees who use drugs are often less productive while on the job, even if they aren’t calling out sick or missing scheduled work hours. This lack of efficiency can mean high costs in the long term, but employee drug testing can help you identify employees who are using drugs before their addiction impacts their work. As a result, you may see an improvement in productivity.

5. Safer Workplace

When your employees are using drugs, it can lead to a number of dangerous situations, from car accidents to injuries sustained on the job. Employee drug testing can help you identify employees who are using drugs and are likely to put themselves or coworkers at risk. This is especially crucial for staff with highly physical jobs, such as in warehouses, construction, or even food service. As a bonus, employee drug testing may also lead to a safer workplace by deterring employees from using drugs in the first place.

Should You Drug Test Your Employees?

The decision to drug test your employees is a personal one. However, if you're concerned about your workplace's safety or your employees' productivity, employee drug testing is a great solution. Some employers hesitate to institute drug testing because they're worried about the cost. However, the cost of not testing can be much higher, in terms of lost productivity, accidents, and turnover.

Others balk at drug testing for fear it will impact staff morale. But the reality is, most employees understand the need for drug testing in the workplace and don't view it as an invasion of privacy. In fact, many employees appreciate working in a safe, drug-free environment. And while it is important to consider the happiness of your team, it is equally if not more important to protect their safety. When it comes to creating a drug testing policy for your workplace, you may want to think less like a friend and more like a parent, keeping the greater good for your staff always front of mind.

How to Implement Drug Testing at Your Business

If you decide to drug test your employees, you'll need to develop a drug testing policy for your business. This policy should spell out who will be tested, how often they'll be tested, and the consequences for employees who test positive for drugs. It's essential to consult with an attorney to make sure your drug testing policy is legally sound.

The next step is determining how to implement drug testing at your business. Employee drug testing can be done in several ways, from urine and hair follicle tests. While most companies use urine or saliva drug testing, the most important thing is to ensure you're using a reputable drug testing company that can provide accurate results.

Trust Countrywide Testing to Give You Peace of Mind

You can trust Countrywide Testing to have your back when it comes to employee drug testing. We're a leading provider of on-site drug testing kits, ready for all of your management and drug safety needs.

Countrywide is an online retailer providing easy access to drug and pharmacogenetic testing. We offer an array of products for testing at home, individuals staying clean after rehab, workplace testing, healthcare emergencies, and law enforcement purposes. 

Our test kits are convenient, affordable, and ship to you quickly. Plus, our lab is accredited by SAMHSA, so you can rest assured your test results are handled in accordance with the highest industry standards.

Want more information on how Countrywide can support a journey toward full rehabilitation from drug abuse? Just contact our team today.