A healthy work environment is often a productive work environment. This often starts with good leadership and worker empowerment. Creating a drug free space can be a crucial but often overlooked part of a healthy work environment. Addiction is a very serious condition that affects millions of Americans.

However, there are ways to curb substance abuse before it becomes a problem or manage the severity of addiction when it does happen. As an employer or manager, there are steps you can take to promote a happier, drug-free zone at your workplace. Outside of financial support, workplace conditions can significantly impact a worker’s everyday well-being. 

Here are some tips for creating a productive and drug-free workplace for employees.

Tips to Fostering a Happy, Drug Free Zone at Work

Mental Health Time

More and more, people and companies are starting to appreciate the importance of mental health. Many workers have started to admit to using sick time for “mental health days” in recent years. Some companies have begun to accept and adopt this idea into their employment policies.

In fact, allowing your employees to take time off to reduce stress and burnout can actually be great for productivity. As stress is often a factor that can contribute to substance abuse, mental health breaks can be a tremendous help. Allowing employees to take mental health breaks during the workday can have similar effects.

Employee Programs

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are a tremendous resource for workers dealing with personal struggles. EAPs offer these employees direct pathways to counseling and recovery from addiction. Some companies even go further, offering programs like resiliency programs and stress management tools. 

Such programs can promote a drug-free workplace by providing resources to help employees combat stressors related to substance abuse.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine, or virtual doctor’s visits, became a popular medical option during the pandemic. While regular in-person visits are available to everybody again, telemedicine remains popular. Virtual meetings with healthcare providers offer greater flexibility and accessibility. Employers can help by covering telemedicine appointments as part of their employee healthcare plan.

Education & Awareness

Education and awareness about substance abuse and addiction can empower people and help destigmatize the subject. Many employers have begun providing resources to help their workers better understand risk factors, symptoms, and treatment for substance abuse. 

Workshops, seminars, and other educational resources can all be highly valuable when it comes to fostering a drug free zone at work.

Enable Employees to Support Each Other

One of the simplest ways to create a drug free zone anywhere is to have trusting and supportive relationships. Destigmatizing substance abuse can help people open up when they are struggling or feel stressed. It can also make it easier for others to spot potential warning signs. 

But even before substance abuse becomes a problem, having employees who feel comfortable and supported is great all around. A drug free workplace is just one potential benefit of fostering a supportive, healthy work environment.

More Ways to Create a Drug Free Workplace

While steps can be taken to create a drug free zone at work, these methods are not foolproof. Countless compounding factors can lead to substance abuse. Many of these factors are not within an employer’s control. As such, it is sometimes necessary to take steps to respond to substance abuse. 

Having a drug free workplace policy provides protection and guidance on how to respond in such cases—knowing how to spot signs of substance abuse and when to drug test are important first steps. If you require reliable employee drug testing, consider ordering a test from Soteria Screening today.