A drug-free workplace sets a company and its employees up for success. Additionally, a safe and healthy work environment is foundational for optimal productivity and high levels of job satisfaction across the board. When a company has a drug-testing program in place, it prioritizes safety. Drug test programs also create clear expectations, promote a stronger work ethic, and build morale among employees. Therefore, to reduce on-the-job accidents, save money, and strengthen a company’s reputation, a drug-free workplace is key.

A comprehensive drug-free workplace program is advantageous for employers and employees alike. For example, regular, routine drug testing will protect the company from liabilities. Also, it puts an emphasis on the education and support of its employees. Therefore, an effective program will not just weed out employees who are using and/or abusing drugs on company time. It will help identify problem areas and help allocate resources to those areas. A good program will create awareness, provide education, and offer referrals for treatment options to employees who have drug or alcohol issues. 

Drug Free

By simple definition, a drug free workplace is a working environment where employees are required to comply with a program that promotes safety by discouraging drug and alcohol use. Oftentimes, these programs consist of randomized drug testing of any or all employees at any given time. 

As previously mentioned, the two primary goals of any comprehensive drug-free workplace program are to protect employees and protect the company. A holistic approach to creating a drug free work environment starts with addressing a few key factors. Below, we will discuss these factors and how drug testing can foster positive, trusting relationships among employees and employers. When a program is effective, it creates mutually beneficial relationships all around. 

Protect Employees

1: Safe Working Environment

Providing a safe working environment for employees is a legal and ethical responsibility of any company. By instituting a drug free policy in the workplace, you may be protecting your employees from harm. 

2: Education 

A drug-free workplace program is intended to provide high quality substance abuse education to employees. Key factors include creating awareness—red flags to pay attention to—and providing resources to properly report concerns to management or Human Resources. It’s important that employees see the serious real life issues involving drug and alcohol abuse. These issues can have negative implications on a person’s physical and mental health, personal family life, and career. 

3: Treatment 

There are many effective treatment options for those suffering from substance abuse disorders. Many times people recover and are fully capable of returning to work. A well-rounded drug-free program in the workplace will encourage employees to seek treatment for their issues. Additionally, it will provide resources to guide them. The ultimate goal should be a supportive approach that will enable employees to return to their jobs once they’ve completed a treatment program. 

4: Accidents

Keeping your company protected from the liabilities that can come from drug-related accidents in the workplace is crucial. Luckily, drug testing programs are the most effective way to prevent the consequences and fallout from substance abuse-related issues on the company’s watch. 

Drug Testing At Workplace 

Drug and alcohol abuse are serious issues that companies of any size are faced with daily. Certainly, we understand the stakes. A drug and alcohol testing program through Soteria Screening will help minimize faulty hires and reduce liabilities for the company and its employees. 

At Soteria Screening Laboratories it is our mission to provide personalized, effective, and efficient drug and alcohol testing and compliance programs nationwide for companies and for individuals. We work with three laboratories, instead of one, to help expand the network of facilities able to provide our variety of services. High-quality, time-efficient drug testing at the workplace is our specialty.