5 Tips For A Fair And Fruitful Drug Testing Program
Any workplace that boasts of talented human resources must have set in motion a holistic approach to maintain the quality. Every top-notch infrastructure has in place the state of art technologies to support a perfect organization’s globally sanctioned standard. But not unbeknownst to us, there are hurdles in the way of achieving the sought-after dream of operating in a safe work environment. One such issue is drug use and abuse, which deters youths’ growth which is the most valuable change agent in the present time.
Many federal and non-federal organizations and workplaces have efficient drug testing programs for their employees. The drug-testing program is one of the widely conducted tests globally because of the excessive use and abuse of drugs by the people. Two drug surveys conducted in 2004 and 2019 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment highlighted the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 1985. It recorded an all-time increase in the use of substances such as opioids, heroin, other synthetic drugs, and cocaine. Such data about tests like a hair drug test invite the need for an adequate drug testing program at various levels in private and public workplaces. These programs will be a means to advocate a healthy life, create a safe work environment, a drug-free workplace, and help treat employees with drug abuse problems.
Below is a list of five tips for fair and fruitful drug testing programs that will ensure a structured, organized, and efficient work environment and protect people from life-altering actions.
- Pre-announcement
Fields such as safety and security-sensitive industries, medical and human resources warrant a thorough knowledge of its employee to avoid any detrimental damage to people or infrastructure. Meticulous methods are adopted to control the aftermath of damage. It is essential to inform or intimate the employees about an impending mandatory drug testing program. This would quickly weed out threatening elements at work.
A pre-announcement of this kind shall ensure the unnecessary self-removal of employees owing to drug abuse problems. The drug awareness drive should encourage former addicts to apply for jobs. Employees must be made aware of the treatment, rehabilitation, and directions regarding reintegration into the workplace.
- Use of Government-certified Labs
Screening plays a significant part in the recruitment process to avoid incidents that will harm a company’s assets or incur unnecessary expenses in the future. To guarantee optimal work production, one must go through drug testing sessions in government-certified labs recognized at a state and national level. The employer must have directives to notify the employee about the certified laboratories, their hours, and policies and collect and submit the report in due time. The employee must be aware of the substances they test for and the drug tests’ accuracy.
- Confidentiality of Reports
Both the employee and employer must equip themselves with the protocols regarding confidentiality of patient reports. Protection of identities from the public plays a significant role in reducing the stigma associated with substance abuse. The employer tasked with maintaining the employee drug testing records must not announce the results. Such violations of protocols and work ethics should have strict actions.
- Effective Drug Testing Program
A multitude of drug tests is available to select from the pool of choices. An agency should be well-versed about the requirements of choosing the right drug testing program. Some drug tests occur during the recruitment process, and some on the suspicious behavior of the employee. There are also periodic and random testing schedules after a return-to-duty. The employee should cooperate with the terms and conditions set by the state and national sanctioned laws if found violating the norms apropos drug abuse.
- Document the entire Process
This is an essential step to maintain. The employer must always keep a written record of the data. It is necessary for a more transparent exchange of information between the employer and an employee. It will further protect the firm from workers’ legal action and simultaneously equip the firm with quality control and damage control measures. Correct documentation goes a long way in preserving the agency’s work culture and overall health and its employees.
Conclusion
Even though there are several findings on the effectiveness and acceptance of drug testing programs, many of these are inconsistent. A workplace drug testing program is often met with harsh criticism, with employees stating that the programs restrict employees’ use of drugs.
Despite this, many organizations have made it mandatory for employees to enroll in regular drug test programs and deliver accurate reports. Drug Testing programs increase workers’ productivity, regulate the flow of work, and protect agencies from losses incurred by drug use in the workplace and beyond.
An organization’s efficient drug testing program significantly reduces the costs of the employees incurred by the workplace and improves employee productivity and engagement at work.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
