Recent years have seen significant changes in how we understand and approach drug use. This has prompted many workplaces to adjust and update their drug policies nationwide. A workplace drug policy is still an important document to preserve the well-being of employees and the company itself. However, modern drug policies tend to be much more human-centric and compassionate than in years past.

What exactly does that mean, and what should companies consider when writing a new drug policy? Here are some tips on crafting a modern drug-free workplace policy.

How to Approach Workplace Drug Policies

Modern drug policies should clearly communicate to employees the reasoning behind the policies. This includes not just why the drug policy is in place, but also what substances are policed, and how. The “why” of drug policies, in most cases, is about maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive work environment for all employees. 

Addiction in the workplace can have a wide-ranging ripple effect throughout the workplace. In some industries, drug use can also be a safety hazard. For instance, operating heavy machinery while under the influence of any substance can be dangerous.

The issue of what substances to test for is constantly evolving. New “designer” drugs can sometimes be more difficult to detect via drug testing. Additionally, some addictive substances are not illegal, but can still cause issues in the workplace. Alcohol, cannabis, and prescription drugs are three examples of commonly used substances that are not necessarily illegal, but which can be abused.

Ultimately, if drug testing is going to be a part of a company’s drug policy, they must decide which substances to test for, and when to test.

Implementing a Compassionate Drug-Free Workplace Policy

Clearly Outline Policies, and Explain Why

When writing a new drug and alcohol-free workplace policy, businesses should strive to foster an understanding relationship with their employees. For instance, employers in most industries are not allowed to mandate that employees abstain from legal substances in their free time. However, working while under the influence of alcohol or marijuana can be a serious detriment to worker productivity and well-being.

Drug policies should emphasize that maintaining a healthy work environment is a top priority. This includes each individual’s well-being, as well as the overall work environment.

Offer Educational Resources

Educational resources about the dangers of substance abuse, the stigma around addiction, and how to identify addiction can be very helpful. Many workplace drug policies strive to educate the workforce, rather than simply policing drug use. In doing so, employers can provide their employees with the resources they need to combat drug use and make informed decisions.

This not only makes it easier to understand issues surrounding substance abuse of all kinds. It also helps to destigmatize addiction, thus making it easier for individuals to seek help when needed.

Substance Abuse Treatment

Speaking of seeking help, this can often be very difficult for individuals to do. One reason for this is that it is not always easy for somebody to recognize their substance abuse problem. Another reason is that they may fear the stigma around substance abuse, and are unwilling to seek help as a result.

Employers can help tackle this issue by providing access to substance abuse treatment as part of their workplace drug policies.

For instance, many employee healthcare plans today provide coverage for substance abuse counseling sessions. Providing access to such resources removes one of the most prominent barriers that prevent individuals from seeking much-needed help.

How Soteria Screening Labs Can Help

Accurate and reliable drug testing is more important now than ever. Transparency is crucial to any modern, human-centric drug policy. Soteria strives to help maintain drug-free workplaces by offering a wide range of highly accurate drug tests. Order a test today to help keep your workplace drug-free.