An analysis of the ROI of drug testing in the workplace
Substance abuse is a common problem in society today, and drug use, in particular, is not always easy to recognise. Many drug users hold down responsible jobs while those around them are oblivious to their lifestyle.
A survey completed in March 2023 estimated that 2.3% of UK citizens between the ages of 16 and 59 are frequent drug users. This equates to around 770,000 people.
If drug abusers are seemingly coping in busy working environments, should employers turn a blind eye?
What are the risks?
Depending on what drugs are being used, the effects on the brain can range from confusion and altered consciousness to impaired memory, inattention, altered judgement and more. People with these conditions pose a risk to other employees, and their standard of work will be lower.
Drug abuse leads to a higher turnover rate among staff, which increases employment and training costs.
Drug users take more sick leave, and their colleagues are left carrying the extra workload.
Data gathered by Cumbria Addictions Advice and Solutions indicates that substance misuse costs UK businesses around £21bn per year.
Safety risks and lawsuits
The lack of focus and impaired performance result in a higher percentage of accidents, particularly in more labour-intensive environments.
In industries such as transport and construction, strict drug testing laws are in place to ensure the safety of employees and the public. Companies that do not adhere to these laws can face heavy fines.
Lawsuits and employee compensation claims that arise out of work-related accidents can run into the millions.
To test or not to test?
While some may argue that testing for drugs in the workplace is an invasion of their privacy, others will blame their drug habits on the stresses of the job.
The benefits of testing for drug usage in the workplace
Apart from identifying employees who are regular drug users, testing can also highlight areas within the organisation that need attention.
Companies that advocate for regular screening benefit in many ways.
It acts as a deterrent and may discourage drug use altogether. The benefits of this are continuity of staff and reduced employment costs.
Screening promotes healthier lifestyle options, reducing illness and medical costs.
The accident rate within the company should drop, and so also should employee compensation claims, legal fees and insurance costs.
Productivity will rise as previous drug users become more focused and, hopefully, more motivated.
Return on investment
Theoretically, your return on investment (ROI) should equal the total amount of the benefits divided by the total expenditure. But how should you calculate the benefits?
Where expenditure is concerned, various drug testing lab services offer a wide range of effective solutions.
Long-term benefits can be reaped by setting clear objectives and monitoring performance, you would eventually find an improvement in productivity levels and a decrease in absenteeism and accidents.
Screening helps identify people who are struggling with problems. You can offer support in the way of employee assistance programmes. This also comes with a cost, but it should pay off in the long run.
Caring for your staff
By taking a stand on drugs, you are sending a strong message to your employees and playing a positive role in your community.