To Test Or Not To Test: Exploding The Myths About Drug Testing

Rapid Drug Test Systems is growing at an exciting pace. RDTS is certified by and listed as a referral collection facility for several national laboratories and a dozen third party administrators throughout the nation. We are finding that the general consensus of local business is that drug testing would harm rather than help their businesses by shrinking the already limited pool of job applicants. It seems that among companies who are drug testing the majority are are federally mandated. The problem may lie in the belief that the following myths are true: MYTH #1: Implementing a drug testing policy will deter people from applying for jobs. I'm already having enough trouble finding qualified employees! The FACTS ARE: We often interview a large pool of applicants for a limited number of positions. In fact, while you do eliminate applicants, the few who do apply are not only drug free but also more often better suited to the available positions. In addition, advertising a DRUG FREE WORKPLACE will automatically deter unwanted applicants preventing inevitable turnover and wasted human resource time. In fact you will find that the need to constantly hire will also decrease.

MYTH # 2: If I implement a drug testing policy, I will immediately lose existing employees.

THE FACTS ARE: Substance abusers who now exist in your workplace know that the procedure usually requires at least a 30day notice before implementing any drug testing program. They also know that random testing is a lottery usually drawn quarterly and they are usually confident that the odds are in their favor. Implementing the program allows them to make a decision - either stop using or risk being found out. This will give you time to find drug free replacements through pre- employment testing. Don't forget that once you learn how to identify substance abusers, reasonable suspicion testing gives you the ability to test when you need to, You will also find that the one or two, who quit immediately usually aren't missed. Most often your good employees were covering for them all along.

MYTH # 3: I would like to have a drug free workplace - but I can't afford it! THE Facts ARE: You can't afford not to. The longterm benefits of having a drug free workplace are improved employee morale, improved productivity, reduction of costs due to losses and errors, decreased legal costs, and reduction in the costs of hiring and training new employees. The New York State Department of Labor estimates the average cost of turnover is $6,000 per employee. The US Navy estimates an average user costs the employer $ 7,000 annually in increased absenteeism, accidents, health care costs and theft.

MYTH # 4: Implementing a partial drug testing policy is sufficient.

THE FACTS ARE: If you drug test only your management you will find that the best of managers can't work with employees who abuse drugs - you can not manage a work force who does not show up or does not perform even though they are there. Second, pre- employment testing alone does not work. Most substance abusers can abstain long enough to get hired. Remember drug habits are expensive and 74% of substance abusers are employed. Third, like anything in life there just simply are not any shortcuts. Implement a partial program and you will get partial results.

By: Mike Bonventre, RDTS Drug Testing Business Opportunity Consultant / Train The Trainer

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