Why Your Company Should Invest in Drug Testing
Some might think that employee drug testing is another bothersome expense for the company. While it costs money, employers should consider it an investment.
If your company is not yet implementing workplace drug screening, consult a professional drug testing company today. You may be surprised by how cost-effective it can be. Here are some benefits you can get when you invest in drug testing:
It Can Significantly Reduce Safety Risks
Illegal drug use and abuse are linked to impaired judgment, motor coordination, perception, and decreased alertness. When employees’ physical and mental performance is inhibited, they are more likely to be at risk of accidents. They can also endanger the safety of others around them.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, drug and alcohol abuse was the cause of more than half of workplace accidents in 2021. Considering that safety protocols are in effect, that rate is alarming.
To help mitigate safety risks from the onset, your company should implement pre-employment drug testing. This can filter out potential hires who abuse illegal drugs.
Routine or random drug testing in the workplace like idrugscreen.com also prevents employees from illicit drug use. As this is a requirement for them to keep their jobs, they would be discouraged from touching any illegal substances.
It Can Keep Costs Low
Accidents in the workplace can cost anywhere from expensive to exorbitant. Damage to essential equipment and facilities can be costly to repair or replace. Furthermore, if multiple people get seriously or fatally injured, it is hard to imagine the amount you need to spend on compensation.
Drug screening is a relatively small expense compared to the cost you can incur with drug-related work accidents. Testing your candidates and current employees for drugs will help reduce your costs in the long run.
It Can Help Keep Your Employees Healthy
Drug addiction often leads to a variety of health issues, such as lung and heart diseases. Even obesity has been linked to the long-term use of illegal drugs.
As routine drug testing can deter employees from misusing substances, they can avoid potential health problems. In case some of your staff test positive, it can also be an opportunity to help them recover from drug abuse. You can set up an employee assistance program (EAP) for this matter.
When workers are physically well, they can do their jobs to the best of their abilities. This brings us to another reason to invest in drug screening…
It Can Increase Productivity
When the workers’ performance is impaired because of the adverse effects of drug use, the company’s productivity suffers. Missed deadlines, production shortages, frequent absenteeism, and unplanned interruptions are just some of the probable outcomes of having employees under the influence of illicit drugs.
Keeping the workplace drug-free helps maintain and even boost the company’s productivity. One of the best ways to fend off substance abuse among employees is through drug testing.
It Can Reduce Employee Turnover
Workers who are found to be using illicit drugs are subject to termination. Depending on your company’s policies, you may still need to pay them for severance. Moreover, you will need to hire replacements for them, which would mean additional expenses for searching, recruiting, and training.
High employee turnover is something that employers avoid as much as possible. Aside from the high costs, turnover leaves gaps in staffing, which can cause lags and delays in daily operations. If workplace drug testing is in place, workers who get terminated due to drug use can be avoided, reducing your attrition rate.
It Can Keep Illegal Activities Out of the Workplace
Drug use can lead to one thing or another. An employee who uses illicit substances can influence colleagues to do the same. Worse, the buying and selling of drugs can take place within the company premises without you knowing.
Drug screening can help keep illicit activities and substances out of your company’s door. Again, this improves safety in the workplace.
It Can Create a Positive Company Image
A drug-free work environment promotes safety, health, and productivity, which gives your business a positive image. A company with good reviews attracts excellent hires and loyal customers. Employee drug testing can attribute to that.
Drug screening is vital for the safety and security of your business and employees. Teaming up with a reputable drug testing company can help you implement this effectively.