Why Do So Many Companies Drug Test?
Years ago, getting a new job meant going in for an interview, receiving your orientation packet, and showing up on your first day. Today, many companies require one more thing of their new hires, drug testing. There are many companies today who require new hires to take a drug test before they start work. There are also companies who require that their employees take random drug tests throughout their employment. These companies don't drug test because they are worried that their employees are unethical drug addicts who lack morality. There are several good reasons that many companies today drug test.
Assist the Community
Business owners care about the community where their workplace is located. Drug addiction is at an all-time high today, and business owners understand that they are responsible for doing their part to help fight the cause. If the employer can keep drugs out of the workplace, they are doing their part for the community.
Safety In the Workplace
If an employee is on drugs while at work, they can put everyone around them in danger. This could include the other employees, the employer, and even the customers. When the employer drug tests new employees and performs random drug testing, they can keep drug-addicted individuals out of the company, keeping everyone else safe.
Avoid Lawsuits
If an employee is injured on the job, they can file for workers compensation insurance. If they can prove that they were injured due to the negligence of the employer or another employee, they can file a civil suit against the employer as well. Since drug testing will make everyone in the workplace safer, it can avoid potential lawsuits. If an employee has an accident on the job while they are under the influence of drugs, many employers will require that they take a drug test. If the employee was found to be under the influence, they wouldn't have a case for either worker's compensation or a civil suit.
Protects the Reputation of the Business
The reputation of the business can take a hit if there is a lawsuit filed against them. If there were a report that someone was injured on the job due to another employee being under the influence of drugs and there were not drug testing protocols in place, it can stop customers from visiting the company and buying. This can scare off investors, causing the business to go under. When there are drug testing protocols in place, there is little risk of an employee who is under the influence creating a lawsuit against the company.
Improve Employee Productivity
If an employee comes to work under the influence of drugs, it can lower their productivity. The drugs can make the employee sluggish and tired, and they won't be putting their all into their jobs. Also, plenty of mistakes can be made when a person is under the influence of drugs. Because employers want their employees to be as accurate and productive as possible, they are having their employees drug tested.
Help Addicted Employees
Most employers care about their employees. If an employee has a drug problem, it would be discovered during a random drug test and the employer could help the employee get the help that they need. Without drug testing, the employee won't get help and it could have deadly consequences.
Avoid Expensive Costs
Most drug addicts need more healthcare than people who are not addicted to drugs. If the company is paying for the employee's insurance, it can cost the company a lot of money. If the employee is injured while on the job, it would result in the employer's workers compensation insurance premiums going up. By having employees drug tested before they start their jobs and when they perform random drug testing throughout the year, they can save themselves a great deal of money.
Employers don't drug test their employees to make their lives more difficult or to stick their noses where they don't belong. They do it to protect their business, their finances, and their employees. The next time you start a new job and you are told that you need to take a drug test, don't take it personally. You should understand that your employer is protecting you and your new position with the company.