Maintaining Your Drug Free Workplace During the Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major effect on people for the past year causing many different challenges, be it working or not working, taking care of children and home schooling, being separated from friends and family, grief from the loss of loved ones, being isolated; the list goes on and on. The effect on people’s mental health has resulted in many resorting to increased substance use.

Workplace Impact

Accelerated consumption of alcohol or the illicit use of drugs only serves to make the situation worse, especially if the consumers are employees. According to Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index, workforce drug testing positivity rose to its highest level in 16 years.  In fact, the pressure of the pandemic seems to indicate that it may be an adverse factor in the upward trend of workplace drug test positivity. Dr. Barry Sample, senior director of science and technology, Quest Diagnostics said that, “Organizations will need to consider the impact of COVID-19 not only on workplace safety but also as a health concern for their employees for some time to come.”

This trend is especially concerning given that many company personnel have continued to work from home in virtual isolation. The question that many have is how can an employer sustain its drug free workplace policy and help employees?

Next steps for Employers

During the ongoing pandemic, while workers are conducting business online or even when they have returned to the “brick and mortar” company building, the effects of the pandemic will be ongoing.  There are still many unknowns. Employers can take steps to help staff whether the hardships and meet the challenges. 

Here are some tips to make a difference:

o    Ensure that your drug free workplace policy is clear and is communicated to employees regularly.

o    Continue your existing drug testing program as a means to encourage employees to stay substance free, even when working from home. For those who may have a test return with a positive result, it is a way to guide that individual to seek help. Be sure to utilize drug testing when bringing back employees who have been working from home, laid off, or furloughed for an extended time.

o    Provide flexible options for substance testing, including mobile collections or alternative specimens (if allowed). Your drug testing administrator can help you find solutions.

o    Train your supervisors on the company policy and procedures, and recognizing the signs and symptoms of substance use.

o    Educate all employees on the effects of substance use and your company policy.

o    Offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to refer affected employees and their families for help. If your company has a program, advertise it extensively. 

o    Encourage self-care to help employees cope with the concerns of the pandemic, such as providing access to webinars on wellness topics, health topics, parenting through the pandemic, online social or support groups, exercise classes, etc.

o    Provide many resources, especially for substance use, suicide hotlines, mental health care, child and domestic abuse, and more.

Employers that thoughtfully invest in their workforce now will have better long-term outcomes as the world emerges from the pandemic.

How has your workplace addressed the pandemic?  Please share additional tips.