In the UK, there is a large-scale problem with drugs in the workplace, particularly in major cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Studies have shown that just under one out of five of the UK’s workforce is comprised of illicit drug users. Moreover, seven out of 10 people that do abuse drugs are in full-time employment.
That means there is a high chance that drugs are affecting your workplace. It is estimated that it is costing the business economy around £15billion per year, with many people having seen colleagues and employees under the influence of drugs in the workplace.
As a business owner, it can be difficult to manage this. So, what do you do? Sack anyone on the spot who has a drug problem? Well, no. It is not as simple as that, and there are a number of methods available to create a safe environment in the workplace.
Create an Inclusive and Supportive Environment
The most important thing you can do is create an inclusive and supportive workplace. Many people turn to drugs due to the stressful nature of a working environment. Therefore, in theory, there is responsibility that also lies at your door.
By creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace, you will decrease stress. In addition, people will be more inclined to come to you with their work problems, and even personal ones, rather than trying to juggle, cope, and turn to drugs to keep going.
Effectively, by setting up that environment in the first place, you will see fewer people turn to drugs and in turn eliminate drugs in the workplace and create a drug-free environment in the office.
Offer Help
If people do find themselves with a drug problem in the workplace, then offer help rather than punishing them. You have a duty to look after your employees and with that, you can aid them in addiction. Sacking someone will only send him or her spiraling further out of control.
Do some research around drug addiction and offer your employees the time and space to recover. Many businesses have relationships with rehabilitation treatment centres these days, and many will even pay for that treatment. This gives employees peace of mind to focus fully on their recovery and reduces stress levels that could see them return to drugs.
Develop a Workplace Drug Policy
If you have previously suffered problems with drugs in the workplace, developing a workplace policy is a good way of ensuring that colleagues and employees know the score when it comes to taking drugs.
For any workplace that requires heavy lifting or operating machinery especially, it is important for the health and safety of those in the workplace as a whole. However, it will also help employees understand the consequences and next steps should they be taking drugs in the workplace.
It is always good to get legal advice here, as there can be complications, but creating a watertight drug policy will help people know where you stand on it from the get-go.
