Are you someone who is currently experiencing drug use in your workplace? Do you constantly find yourself trying to introduce methods that will prevent employees from indulging in drug abuse? If so, then today is your lucky day as you have found yourself coming to the right place.
The use of drugs in a workplace can be extremely dangerous and challenging; however, you have nothing to worry about; in this article, we will be talking about five components of a drug-free program in your workplace. So with that being said let us dive right into it.
Introduction Of An Effective Policy
The first and foremost thing that you need to do when it comes to introducing a drug-free workplace program is to create a list of policies and inform others why you are creating it. A written policy is any company’s foundation and the first step to letting people know of your motives.
There is no doubt that many people out there secretly try to use and abuse drugs because they know that their company has no interest in the health and position of their business. However, you do not want to fall into the same category.
Instead, you should try to tailor a written policy that reflects your understanding and need to have a safe and healthy work environment. It must be mentioned that a drug-free policy includes the following;
– A detailed account of why the policy was implemented; the justification might be as straightforward as a business’s dedication to preserving the safety, health, and welfare of its clients and staff.
– Give a detailed explanation of the forbidden actions. This should, at the very least, contain the phrase, “Illegal drug use, possession, transfer, or sale by personnel in the workplace is forbidden.”
– Outline the repercussions for breaking the rule at any time. These might involve punishment ranging from suspension to termination and/or a recommendation for help.
Providing Assistance
Now, although you might think introducing harsh policies may be the way to prevent the use of drugs in your workplace, sometimes you might want to try a different approach. Giving employees who struggle with alcohol or other substances support or help is a crucial part of a drug-free workplace approach.
Some businesses provide employee assistance programs, also known as EAPs, which are benefits frequently provided in combination with health insurance coverage. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) allow for access to therapy for difficulties, including mental health concerns, substance misuse, and financial or legal issues.
Furthermore, some individuals might think it is best to hide and use drugs in private. If you think an employee is hiding from you, you should try to be understanding and build a strong bond so that they are comfortable enough to share their reasons and secrets with you.
Training
After you have successfully introduced a proper policy and have made sure that your employees know your goals, the next important thing to do is to introduce effective training to your supervisors. It must be mentioned that the topic of drug use in any environment, whether it is the workplace or not, is serious and delicate.
Instead of trying to force people to follow your rules and guidelines, you should take a sympathetic approach. When it comes to training supervisors, you should try to educate them and make them understand why your policy is important and how they can educate other employees in the workplace.
Not just that, but you should also be able to guide them and make them recognize as well as deal with employees who actively take drugs regularly. Instead of using harsh words and performing actions that inflict pain, your supervisors should be kind, open, and honest to employees so that they can gain their trust. Moreover, they can even guide employees in taking drug free courses to help them with their treatment.
Educating Your Employees
One of the most important things that you should focus on is to actively engage with your employees. There have been many cases where employees have felt left out and uncomfortable due to the introduction of unknown policies without consultation and meetings. You do not want to be in the same category.
Instead, you should try to educate your employees regularly and make them realize that the business or company is more than just a workplace but rather a place where individuals can share their thoughts and experiences and gain benefits. You should keep that in mind.
Company-specific information is provided via effective employee education initiatives, such as the specifics of the drug-free company policy. Additionally, they provide basic information on alcohol and drug abuse, its effects on daily life and professional activities, as well as the sorts of assistance that are accessible. A range of materials, including home mailings, workplace displays, and new employee orientation events, should be used to engage all employees in continuous education.
Use Of Drug Tests
The last and final component of a drug-free workplace program is to include drug tests for individuals who want to get them done. Remember that drug tests should only be introduced in the work environment after proper consultation and meeting with individuals. If you feel that individuals do not feel comfortable with the decision, then you should listen to them and not force them to get drug tests done.
There are many ways you could introduce drug tests, such as random drug tests. This type of testing is done on a random and unannounced basis to test your employees health. Below is a list of different types of drug tests that you can introduce in your workplace.
– One-time drug test
This form of drug test is performed for those individuals who have returned to work after a certain period of time. You can tell the employees to have a drug test done and provide a copy to you so that you know they have not been using the drug in the past.
– After an accident
Another type of drug test can be done for those individuals who have recently undergone a traumatic accident such as a car crash, loss of a loved one, motorbike accident, body injury, etc.
This test is done to see if individuals are taking drugs as a form of pain relief. Remember to only ask them to get the drug test done if you think their appearance and attitude are different.
Conclusion
With that being said we have come to the end of the article. By applying these five components of a drug-free workplace program, you can ensure no drugs are being abused by any of the employees.