Top 10 Advantages of Drug Testing in Workplace

 

Drug abuse compromises productivity, business reputation, national economy and national security. Around 750 billion dollars are lost every year due to the drug-abuse-related accidents, impairments, productivity loss and other consequences.

Here are listed out 10 advantages of drug testing in workplace.

1. Drug testing keeps the workplace safe, sound and healthy

Employees at the workplace have the fundamental right to be in a safe and healthy environment. Employers too have benefits in keeping the workplace safe and healthy. This ensures the safety of equipment, machinery, vehicles, installations, goods (particularly dangerous chemicals and gasoline products), and other infrastructures.

2. Productivity and drug abuse are inversely related

Less the drug abuse, more the productivity. The expenses incurred on instant drug testing are clearly visible on the accounts balance sheet. The drug-free workforce that contributes to the profit is not visible to the majority of the employers unless some untoward incident results in loss of productivity.

3. The drugged mind is a devil’s workshop

We are familiar with the old saying “an idle mind is a devil’s workshop” and so is the drugged mind a devil’s factory. Instant drug tests like a random test or scheduled test or test on reasonable suspicion keeps the drugs abusers at bay.

4. Compliance is better than compensation

A 100% compliance with the state and federal laws will save the employers’ time, labor and money and give the employer peace of mind during lawsuits.

5. Less the staff turnover rate means more productive

The rate at which new employees replace the employees who left the workplace (including fired ones and those who are on sick leave or disability leave) is called employee turnover rate.

• It’s prudent to keep the Employees’ turnover rate at 3.5% to maintain the current rate of productivity.
• Hiring, training new employees is not going to be an easy task, not to speak of the competitive packages.
• Productivity will suffer if employees holding key positions quit the company.
• Turnover rate higher than 3.5% is a clarion call for introspection.

6. Saving the goose that lays golden eggs

The instant drug test is a strong deterrence against the drug abuse at workplaces. Employees will always think twice before taking drugs. The biggest advantage of the instant drug test is the potential employees are saved from the drug teasers/traps set up by colleagues or traffickers or even business competitors.

7. Prevention is better than cure

Just imagine employees who operate sensitive machines or heavy machinery like forklift or cranes work under drug influence. Not only will this employee pose a threat to self, but also expose colleagues and others to the dangers, besides causing huge loss to factory’s machine and infrastructure. Time, labor and loss of productivity are not accounted here due to the possible mishaps. The instant drug test is a complimentary to the adage ‘prevention is better than cure’.

8. Fewer conflicts make workplace more pleasant

Workplace frictions are common almost everywhere. Drug abuse results in a high rate of absenteeism, accidents, sloppy work, late reporting, etc. These issues are faced by almost all employers everywhere. The drug abusers wouldn’t like to see good Samaritans besides them. Instant drug test deters the potential drug addicts, deviating from their assigned work, besides making the workplace a peaceful and perfect for the job tasks.

9. Gives a boost to customers’ confidence

The customer is the king and the company’s future lies in customers’ confidence. A good drug policy framework ensures public safety, consumer’s trust, employees’ well-being, and a healthy workplace.

10. Drug abuse is a drag on the company’s progress

Studies carried over the years on drug abuse among employees show that the workers who were on leave due to impairment or accidents are nearly three times more than the employees who do not take drugs.