Increase In Unemployment Rate Because Of Employee Drug Testing
For a safe working environment, drug test for employment is done. Companies test their employees for drug and alcohol consumption. Drug test for employment is also an important job application process. Some companies require the job applicants to be tested for drugs prior to making an offer as per their policies and state laws. Drug abuse can affect workplace productivity and employee’s performance while can also cost company health care claims. That’s why drug test for employment prevents employee from the use of drugs, and help identify employees who use illegal drugs or have alcohol or drug problems.
Types of Drug Test
There are several different types of drug test. However, the most common drug test for employment includes:
- Urine drug test
- Breath alcohol test
- Saliva drug screens
- Sweat drug screens
- Hair drug test
However, these type of test takes time as the employee has to go to hospital or clinic for their drug test and also has to wait for the results. This also gives employee an opportunity to cheat. This can be prevented by onsite drug testing as it does not require employee to leave job-site and gives result in approx. 4-5 minutes depending on the equipment. Substance abuse in the workplace can also by prevented by onsite drug testing.
Types of Drug Employees are Tested for
Besides alcohol companies test their employees for different other substances whether it be legal or illegal.
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Cocaine
- Heroine
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
Legalization of drug test for employment vary by state. Although no Federal law prohibits the practice, many private employers are restricted by law for the testing of drugs. Therefore, acquainting themselves with the various state laws can be beneficial for the companies. Federal and state laws also provide guidelines on company’s policies regarding substance abuse in the workplace.
Drug test for employment provide employees a safe working environment and build confidence in consumer and clients. However, because of legalization of Marijuana in several states, some companies have dropped drug test for employment while most companies are firing or not appointing applicants because of failed drug test even after legalization in their states. This leads to increase in unemployment rate which is heavily affecting country’s economy. Because of drug test, companies are having hard time in appointing applicants as unemployment rate is hovering around and impacting productivity and growth.
