Neglecting drug tests for your staff can have serious repercussions for your organization. The financial impact of drug addiction among employees is estimated to exceed $80 billion per year, a staggering figure that underscores the seriousness of the issue. This drug misuse has led to significant financial losses for many businesses, making it a critical concern for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
In addition to lost profits, there are several other reasons why SMBs should prioritize drug testing. For instance, it is essential for prospective employees to pass a drug test before joining the team. Some companies may also opt for regular drug testing policies to meet their specific needs.
Fortunately, the availability of drug test kits now allows small businesses to implement compliant drug testing policies with ease and confidence. However, if an employer chooses not to conduct drug tests, they may face severe repercussions. Read on to learn more about the potential consequences.
Table of Contents
1) Loss in Profits
The use of drugs by employees can lead to significant financial losses for businesses, amounting to billions of dollars annually. This is because when an individual is under the influence of drugs, their ability to concentrate and perform their duties effectively is impaired. As a result, their productivity and work quality suffer, which can have a negative impact on the company’s profitability. Furthermore, employees who are under the influence of drugs may pose a safety risk to their colleagues, customers, and the community at large.
To address this issue, many companies have adopted a zero-tolerance drug policy. This means that if an employee is found to be using illegal drugs such as meth or cocaine, appropriate actions will be taken. It is essential for employees to contribute to the success of the team rather than hinder the quality of the team’s performance.
2) Federal Funding Concerns
If your small business receives any form of government funding, it is mandatory for you to maintain a drug-free workplace. The Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act mandates this requirement, and failing to conduct employee screenings could jeopardize your funding as well as result in monetary fines.
Drug use by employees can increase liability concerns for companies. When an individual is under the influence of drugs, their behavior can negatively affect the company, as drug use can impair judgment and lead to unsafe actions. If an employee is injured while on company premises, the small business may be held partly responsible for the incident, resulting in potential liability for monetary compensation or damages.
3) Liability Issues
It is crucial to recognize that having employees who are under the influence of drugs can increase a company’s liability. An effective drug testing policy can help identify employees who may pose a risk in the workplace and allow for appropriate action to be taken.
Conducting a pre-employment drug screening for prospective employees is a proactive measure that can prevent potential problems in the future. This screening helps determine if the job applicant is currently using drugs, which can be helpful in making informed hiring decisions.
Pre-employment Drug Testing Policy
It is important to note that the job applicant may choose to abstain from drug use in order to pass the pre-employment drug screening. However, once hired, they may resume their normal level of drug use, which is why regular drug testing of employees is recommended.
Drug testing kits come in different formats for testing employees. One of the formats is a drug screening kit that uses saliva as the sample. The test involves taking a sample of the worker’s saliva and placing it in a device that analyzes the sample. These tests are simple to administer, accurate, and can yield results within minutes. However, the detection window is limited to five to forty-eight hours, depending on the drug, making them useful for identifying current drug use.
Where to Buy Drug Test Kits
Another commonly used format for drug testing kits is urine testing. These tests have a larger detection window and can identify drug usage over a longer period of time.
To avoid the negative outcomes of not drug testing employees, it is recommended to implement a drug testing policy. DrugTestKitUSA offers a range of drug testing kits and supplies that can be tailored to your specific needs, whether you need to test potential new hires or current employees. Their website provides a wide variety of drug tests that can be easily ordered. Visit DrugTestKitUSA (https://drugtestkitusa.com/) to explore the different options available to you.
