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Why
should you care about having a drug-free workplace?
Alcohol and
other drug abuse is widespread in our society, and it affects us
all in many ways. Although national, State, and local efforts have
begun to show encouraging results, the problem of alcohol and other
drug abuse remains a serious issue.
No workplace
is immune. In 1991 the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported
that 68 percent of illicit drug users were employed. Employers who
think alcohol and other drug abuse will never be a problem in their
workplace should consider this: Job applicants who can't pass a
drug test tend to apply to companies that don't test.
Employers who
have implemented drug-free workplace programs have important experiences
to share:
- Employers
with successful drug-free workplace programs report decreases
in absenteeism, accidents, downtime, turnover, and theft; increases
in productivity; and overall improved morale.
- Employers
with longstanding programs report better health status among many
employees and family members and decreased use of medical benefits.
- Some organizations
with drug-free workplace programs qualify for incentives, for
example, decreased premium costs for certain kinds of insurance,
such as Workers' Compensation.
- Employers
find that employees, employee representatives, and unions often
welcome drug-free workplace programs. If you don't have a program,
your employees may be wondering why.
- Employers
with drug-free workplace programs find that current users of alcohol
and other drugs prefer organizations that do not have such programs.
An effective program can keep you from being the employer of choice
for users, abusers, and addicts.
Employee Assistance
is provided throughout Volusia and Flagler Counties. Call the Rhonda
Harvey, Program Director at (386) 947-1482.
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