The increase in drug and alcohol misuse in society means that Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policies are increasing in importance for businesses across all sectors.
To address the issue requires a comprehensive, robust policy which is rigorously observed and communicated effectively to all employees.
It is a legal requirement for all businesses to have a Health and Safety Policy in place, a Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy ought to be an integral part of this.
A clearly documented policy that all members of staff are aware of helps to reduce accidents at work especially where heavy plant and machinery is used including manufacturing, construction, rail and road transport.
Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol will produce poor quality of work and low levels of productivity.
Poor quality work may impact your business’s reputation as well as increasing safety risks.
An unproductive employee costs your money and can lower staff morale which in turn, can lead to further issues with productivity.
Pre-employment screening helps you to guard against employing individuals who might be misusing drugs or alcohol. Prevention is better than cure and can help you save on recruitment costs.
Absenteeism is one of the largest costs associated with drug and alcohol use. Implementing policies and procedures that discourage staff from misusing alcohol and drugs will result in lowering levels of absenteeism.
Maintaining a level of high quality of work for clients is essential for all business, at the end of the day reputation is built upon quality of work and delivery of service. A reputation can take years to build; BUT it only needs one event to ruin it.
A staff member who is under the influence of drink or drugs at work when in contact with clients presents a significant risk to your business’s credibility. This in turn, could result in losing clients potentially having a detrimental impact on the performance of your business.
Providing a safe working environment for staff, and visitors should be a priority for organisations and demonstrating a comprehensive Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing policy will help to build your credibility and allow people to trust your business.
In some instances, a Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing policy is required in order to compete for and win contracts.