In our present-day, the idea of a “drug-free workplace” is an established norm for small to large-sized employers in the US. An effective drug testing program outlines clear policies about substance abuse on the job to ensure a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace for all. For certain employees, drug testing may still seem like an intrusive procedure that causes a lack of trust. To better honor their privacy and treat employees respectfully, creating an unbiased, universal testing policy is necessary.
Drug testing policies and processes written into a drug-free workplace program must be accurate, neutral, and reliable for the sake of fairness, trust, and transparency. For the sake of your business and staff members, let’s examine a few tips for creating a fair workplace drug policy.
Define Definite Rules With Clear Communication
OSHA attests that the development of a solid drug-free workplace program does not simply occur overnight. Proper creation and implementation require careful thought, consideration, and planning. One of the main tips for creating a fair workplace drug policy is to have clear written and documented rules that are applicable to each and every employee. These rules cannot be bent for certain situations or flexible for specific staff members.
Creating rules that are unambiguously communicated to employees upon hire or implementation outlines future expectations—no ifs, ands, or buts about it. This direct route to fairness upholds influence upon morale and behavior in the workplace.
Ensure Regular Testing at the Right Times
The most common reasons for workplace drug testing are pre-employment job screenings, reasonable doubt or suspicion cases, return-to-duty purposes, and periodic, randomized screenings. Each is fair and legal if given unbiasedly for a reason. Only employers under federal regulations with employees in safety-sensitive positions must follow set guidelines—private employers have greater leniency in their policies.
Nonetheless, employers should include the above testing situations in their written policies, including a post-accident screening procedure, for ultimate effectiveness. Drug testing is only a valuable tool when administered at the correct times.
Tune Your Policy To Suit Company Values
The underlying foundation of your drug program requires unique tailoring to the inherent needs and core values of your business. For the best results, employers and employees must work closely together to follow procedures of a balanced, fair policy in their workplace.
Last but not least, don’t forget about a key component of a drug-free workplace: an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). An EAP provides assistance or support to any company or organization staff in need of it. Including these services as a resource alongside testing policies showcases compassion and recognition of employee importance and contribution. Focusing closely on integrity and honesty along each step of the way is the key to reduce safety risks and boost overall productivity.