Employee drug testing can be a controversial issue in the work place. Pre-screening is common when hiring a new employee. Companies check out references, employment history and qualifications so why not screen for substance abuse. Drug screening is not a violation of privacy and employee rights, companies have a right to have a preference for non-drug users.

1MD can help your organization develop an appropriate drug screening program and policy so that you can take advantage of these reasons to screen your employees.

Safety

Employee drug testing is not about invading employee privacy its about maintaining health and safety standards within the workplace. Drug use impairs a person’s ability to function in their everyday life. Even if the use of drugs is restricted to outside working hours the effects are long lasting. Employee drug testing programs are able to identity safety risks and eliminate them. This benefits the company as a whole as well as the employees. 

Quality of Work

Employers have a right to decide on the type of people they want to hire. Employee drug testing programs ensure the quality of work is not effected by substance abuse. Overall, drug testing programs raise the quality of work by simply eliminating employees that use drugs and are therefore contributing less to the company.

Reduced Health Insurance Costs

Employee drug testing programs effectively clean up the work place in terms of identifying users. This can greatly reduce health insurance premiums and health care costs for the company. By reducing the amount of medical costs related to work accidents and drug related illness, the company significantly reduces overall costs. 

Reduced Turnover

Employee drug testing helps reduce turnover. Pre-employment screening will allow you to avoid hiring drug users. This can considerably influence the turnover rate within your organization. Pre-employment testing is essentially about mitigating the risk of the hiring process. Reduced turnover will lead to lower hiring and training costs

 Reduced Absenteeism

Employee drug testing has proven useful in reducing absenteeism within the workplace. Many studies have pointed to a reduction of 30% or more in absenteeism for organizations that drug screen. 

 Reduced Work Related Accidents

Accidents can and will happen it’s just the law of nature, but accidents are more likely when there are drugs involved. Employee testing programs act as a deterrent to drug use. Often if an accident occurs in the workplace a drug test is performed immediately. This ensures that if drug use is a factor the employee will be dealt with immediately before any more damage is done. 

More Productive Employees

Productivity is paramount to success in any workplace. If you can increase efficiency then you are more likely to meet company goals and maintain a high level of development. Drug user can reduce productivity.

Reduced Workers Compensation Rates

Many studies have proven that workers compensation rates are lower in companies that institute pre-employment and randon drug screening programs. 

Reducction of Employee Theft

There has been a proven reduction in employee theft for companies with drug screening programs. In addition, it gives your employees a safer environment.