Drug screens and tests are an important tool for businesses to ensure that employees are working to the highest standard. However, you should avoid a few missteps when conducting these tests. Here are a few of the biggest mistakes employers make with drug screening.
Neglecting a Written Policy
If your state doesn’t have specific laws around drug testing, you may believe you don’t need a written drug testing policy. However, having a clear and understandable written policy for drug tests is best practice for employers. Be transparent about your testing practices and let your employees know what kind of tests you will perform. Some employers leave their policy quick and vague, alluding to consequences “up to and including termination,” but make sure your policy doesn’t leave your employees confused and asking questions. Make sure you and your employees are on the same page about the testing policy.
Choosing the Wrong Test
Depending on the type of company and the tasks required of employees, you may choose to use a standard five-panel urine test. This may be adequate for your company. Urine tests are simple, and they test for several of the most commonly abused substances. However, they won’t catch everything. If you’re looking for a more extensive screen, a hair test might be up your alley. American Screening offers drug testing supplies of all kinds, including hair tests, which can even show you how long ago someone ingested a substance.
Avoiding Confrontation
Many employers—indeed, many people in general—shy away from confrontation. It’s difficult to approach an employee and ask something embarrassing. But if you notice that one of your employees has been particularly drowsy lately or that their speech is garbled or slurred, take action as soon as possible. Ask your employee what’s going on; they may offer an explanation like “I didn’t get much sleep last night” or “I’ve been emotional over a personal issue.” This explanation may work for you. But if you have a reasonable suspicion that your employee is under the influence or regularly uses illicit drugs outside of work hours, consider performing a drug test. Promptness counts, too—don’t allow your employee to take several days to get to it.
When you oversee multiple employees, you want to be positive that they’re performing at a high capacity. Drug use can impair that capacity. Avoid the biggest mistakes employers make with drug screening and follow a policy you’ve tailored to your workplace.
