Drug-Free Workplace Program

 

Drug-Free Workplace Policy

A drug-free workplace policy forms the foundation for a drug-free workplace program; however, it is not the same as a drug-free workplace program.  Rather, it is one of five components.  In addition to a policy, a comprehensive drug-free workplace program includes supervisor training, employee education, employee assistance and drug testing.

An organization’s philosophy concerning alcohol and drugs sets the tone for its drug-free workplace policy and program. Some organizations focus on detection, apprehension and discharge and apply a strong law enforcement model that treats employees who use drugs as criminals. Other organizations focus on performance and emphasize deterrence and assistance, because they view alcohol and drug use as causing impairment of otherwise capable employees. The most effective drug-free workplace programs strike a balance between these two philosophies. They send a strong clear message and, at the same time, encourage employees to seek assistance if they are struggling with alcohol or drug problems.

The following are some philosophies and practices that can undermine the effectiveness of drug-free workplace programs:

• Focusing only on illicit drug use and failing to include alcohol-the number one drug of abuse in our society
• Accepting drug use and alcohol abuse as part of modern life and a cost of doing business
• Over reliance on drug testing
• Focusing on termination of users rather than rehabilitation
• Reluctance of supervisors to confront employees on the basis of poor performance
• Reinforcing an individual’s denial regarding the impact of his or her alcohol and drug use
• Restricting benefits and/or access to treatment of alcoholism and addiction
• Allowing insurers to restrict access to treatment programs

 

The characteristic common to all effective drug-free workplace programs is balance. A successful drug-free workplace program must strike a delicate balance between a number of sometimes competing elements, including:

• The rights of employees and the rights of employers
• The need to know and rights to privacy
• Detection and rehabilitation
• Respect for employees and the safety of all

 

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Supervisor Training

After strategically developing a drug-free workplace policy it is necessary for the employer to adequately train the supervisors in the policy, procedures, goals and expectations of the program.  The successful implementation of the drug-free workplace program is highly dependent upon the acceptance and “buy-in” of those closest to the workforce, the supervisors.  Training supervisors is an integral part of every drug-free workplace program and should include basic information about your drug-free workplace program and their role in its implementation

Supervisor training should include a review of:

• Your drug-free workplace policy
• The supervisor’s specific responsibilities in implementing the policy
• Ways to recognize and deal with employees who have job performance problems that could be related to alcohol and other drugs.
• The prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse and its impact on the workplace.
• The connection between poor performance and alcohol and drug use.
• How to recognize potential drug and alcohol abuse through the observation of specific objective behavior and performance criteria.
• How to effectively document, confront and refer employees without violating the law or employee rights.
• The progressions of the disease of alcohol and drug addiction and what assistance is available.
• The necessary skills for referring employees to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), other treatment providers and/or drug and alcohol testing.
• How to avoid supervisor traps and enabling behavior.

 

Use the resources listed below to assist in the education of your supervisors:

• Supervisor Training PowerPoint

• Supervisor Training Handouts

 

Employee Education

 

The purpose of this training is to familiarize your employees with your drug-free workplace program, to champion a drug-free culture and to provide general awareness and education about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. The objectives of the training are to inform employees about: The requirements of your organization’s drug-free workplace policy. The prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse and their impact on the workplace. How to recognize the connection between poor performance and alcohol and/or drug abuse. The progression of the disease of alcohol and drug addiction. What types of assistance may be available.   Use the resources listed below to assist in the education of your employees: Employee Training Powerpoint Employee Training Handouts

Employee Assistance

 An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can be a valuable resource for both employees and managers and can play an important role in your drug-free workplace program. An EAP is a worksite-focused program designed to assist in the identification and resolution of productivity problems associated with personal problems, such as alcohol and/or drug abuse.

An EAP may be offered directly by he employer; if not the employer should maintain a resource file of employee assistance providers such as alcohol and/or drug abuse programs, mental health providers and and other persons or entities available to assist employees with personal or behavioral problems.  The existence of this resource file and a summary of its contents must be made available to employees so as to permit access to these providers and services.

Substance Abuse Treatment Locator

Mental Health Treatment Locator

 

Drug and Alcohol Testing