4 Good Reasons for Drug Tests in the Workplace

The debate over whether the government should have any say in what you do in the privacy of your own home will rage for many a year before anything is resolved. But even those who support the personal use of marijuana and other mind-altering substances miss the point when it comes to drug tests in the workplace. It's one thing to enjoy an alcoholic beverage after work, for instance, and quite another to show up for work drunk. Of course, it can't be ignored that employers have an interest in hiring people who aren't getting strung out every night on substances that could get them arrested. There are quite a few benefits to a drug free workplace. Here are four of them.

Decreased Turnover

A good business owner wants as little employee turnover as possible. It takes time and money to train a new employee and get them into the flow of working well in an organization. While legalization proponents may want to deny it, the fact is that users are seldom as reliable as non-users and are much less likely to remain stable in their employment. Drug testing can weed out these candidates right from the start.

Safe Workplace

If you work in an office, the concept of a "safe workplace" may not be much of a concern. But in many forms of employment, it is of paramount importance. Construction, warehouse work, and any other job where maintaining safety is a big issue needs to have drug tests in place. Workers must be sharp and reliable or problems can happen. Reaction time is a concern, and many drugs can slow that reaction time.

Better Insurance Rates

In some instances, it may be difficult to get workman's compensation insurance if you don't implement drug tests. Even if you can, it will probably cost you a lot more than it would otherwise. Having your employees tested isn't cheap, either, but it is much less expensive in the long run. Whether you want to start a system of random testing is up to you, but testing as a condition of employment is wise.

Increased Productivity

One of your biggest goals as an employer is to get as much productivity out of your charges as possible. Paying good wages, keeping up morale, and making sure the operation runs efficiently are all components of reaching that goal. Drug tests can help as well, however, making sure you hire only employees who will be reliable and ready to go to work when they arrive on the premises.