Each day many Americans start their day getting dressed, grabbing a bite to eat, and heading out the door. For an alarming number of others, the start might also include grabbing pills, loading a syringe, or using other drugs. Contrary to popular belief, employees being under the influence inside the workplace is a common occurrence. Seven out of ten Americans have partaken while on the job according to treatment website Detox, and that is with excluding marijuana due to the differences in legality per state.
When and Where?
The most common time for an employee to get high is on the way to work, followed closely by their lunch break. But there is still a significant portion of employees using on company time. An estimated 11 percent in the morning, 12 percent in the afternoon, and 19 percent of users will do it during any time of the day that they can manage to get away with it. The most common place, the parking lot, was frequented by almost half of the respondents.
How Employees Using Affects You
Substance abuse in the workplace has been shown to heavily increase health, safety, and productivity issues that are commonly associated with drug usage. Data from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration stated employees who use are: 2.5 times more likely to be absent for 8 days or more each year, 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident, and 5 times are likely to file compensation claims. Using has cost employers billions each year due to the reduced productivity and the increased spending on healthcare.
Why Drug Test?
As drug usage increases, companies are becoming more at risk and drug testing helps alleviate that risk. Per a 2016 study conducted by Quest Diagnostics, 4.2 percent of the workforce in America had utilized an illegal substance within the past month, with significant increases in marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine use. With drug testing, employers can confidently exclude that group from employment which will increase productivity, lower health insurance costs, and reduce injury rates for not only the employee but their co-workers as well resulting in significant savings for employers.
by Certus Direct, LLC