Every employer wants to have a drug free workplace. Yet, achieving that goal can sometimes be easier said than done. With that said, there are steps that employers can take to cultivate a healthier, drug-free environment.

The benefits of being drug-free in the workplace are numerous. A drug-free environment is often safer, more stable, and more productive with better worker morale. To help guide your workplace toward those goals, here are some of our best tips for cultivating a drug free workplace.

Top Tips for Creating a Drug Free Workplace

Have a Clear Written Policy

The foundation of a drug free workplace is a company drug policy that is clearly understood by all employees. This means clarity in your policy, and also visibility. A drug policy should outline what substances are disallowed and when, drug testing policies and punishments, as well as the company’s philosophy on workplace substance abuse.

In addition, all employees should have access to this policy. A handbook and a prominently displayed drug-free workplace poster in the workplace can go a long way here.

Consult Expert Advice

Your workplace drug policy is a great tool for educating employees. But sometimes, the voice of an expert is the best teacher. If you want to prioritize a drug-free environment, consulting an expert can be very beneficial. This might mean inviting an expert to speak in your workplace or consulting with drug counselors to help resolve workplace substance abuse problems.

Prioritize Mental Well-Being

Stress, depression, and other mental health factors are associated with increased risk of substance abuse. If your company is serious about fostering a drug free workplace, then prioritizing mental health can be an impactful step. There are many steps, both big and small, that employers can take to prioritize employee mental health. Providing greater flexibility for your workers and regularly showing appreciation can be helpful. So too can everyday acts like listening and responding to employee feedback, and taking steps to reduce stress and pressure in the workplace.

Give Respect

Having and demonstrating respect for employees is important in any context. This is especially true when dealing with issues related to substance abuse. Understanding the outside factors that can lead to substance abuse, as well as the stigma and legality surrounding workplace substance abuse, can help facilitate more productive and respectful communication.

Provide Support When Needed

A drug free workplace may be the top priority, but it is not always possible. Sometimes, an individual might fall into substance abuse. In those cases, that individual needs help and support to recover.

To really cultivate a drug free workplace, employers should consider providing support and healthcare coverage for substance abuse recovery programs. This not only helps reduce the stigma against substance abuse. But it can also provide employees with the structure and pathway they need to resolve issues of substance abuse.

Drug Testing When Appropriate

If you want to be truly certain of a drug free workplace, drug testing is your best option. Some employers require pre-employment drug testing, while others only drug test on a case-by-case basis. Any drug testing policy should be clearly outlined in the employee drug policy.

Even if drug testing is not a requirement for all employees, it can be used as needed in cases of reasonable suspicion. This can be used in the event that an employee begins to show signs of addiction in the workplace.

A drug test can also help provide protection for employers and employees while also preserving a healthy work environment. Ultimately drug testing can also be the first step toward helping an individual seek treatment for substance abuse.

Soteria Can Help.

Want to learn more about workplace drug testing? Soteria can help. Contact us or consider ordering a test to get started!