Is drug testing in the workplace beneficial?

The debate over drug testing in the workplace is a controversial one. While few would argue that drug testing is practically essential in certain environments, such as those where health and safety is critical, questions remain over the value of testing in other environments, such as offices. Some employees feel that drug testing is an unnecessary intrusion into their private lives, but what do the facts say?

Increased productivity

A recent pilot study published in the Journal of Global Drug Policy and Practice eloquently sets out the case for substance abuse testing at work. The researchers interviewed HR professionals from a variety of industries, finding that almost one-fifth (19%) reported higher levels of employee productivity after a testing programme had been introduced. In addition, employers who were experiencing high levels of employee absenteeism saw the percentage of sick days taken cut in half. The report also found that 16% of the companies experienced a reduction in staff turnover levels.

While this study requires further evidence to back up its findings, the implication that drug testing in the workplace can instantly lead to an increase in productivity and punctuality in employees is compelling. Quantitative evidence about the true impact of drugs in the workplace is somewhat sketchy, but a TUC questionnaire found that 58% of people said they knew someone who had performed less effectively at work because of the influence of drugs or drink.

Striking a balance

One of the major points of contention is that drug testing often only reveals the fact that an individual has been under the influence of drugs at some point in the recent past, not necessarily at work. The UK’s Information Commissioner said in 2003 that drugs testing should be used to “detect impairment at work rather than illegal use of substances in a worker’s private life”, and this seems a fair guideline to work with. There is clearly a fine balance to be struck between intrusive monitoring and responsible drug testing. Part of establishing this balance is ensuring drug testing is not used as a solely punitive measure.

Employers have a responsibility to care for their employees’ welfare, and allowing a long-term drug problem to bubble away unchecked is ethically questionable. Help and support need to be offered to individuals who fail drugs tests, rather than immediate discipline. If employees are able to see the value of the drug testing, and that the process is not part of a witch-hunt, evidence shows that they will be far more open to it. The American Psychological Association found that negative reactions to drug tests could be greatly reduced by providing advanced notice of testing dates and by offering support rather than punishment.

The importance of good management

Studies have shown that younger individuals tend to be the most vulnerable to drug use; for example, the British Crime Survey found that 28% of individuals in the 16 to 24 age group had used an illegal drug in the last year. Stress and anxiety issues associated with work can also exacerbate drug problems, meaning that employers have a responsibility to address the root causes of addictions rather than simply attempting to punish through testing. Good management such as this has been shown to have an additionally positive effect on employee productivity and punctuality levels.