Employers use many metrics to hold workers accountable during the workday. For pre-employment, there are specific protocols in place to ensure new hires are ready for the tasks at hand. One of these is drug tests. Still, many employers wonder if drug tests are worth the time and investment. Here are some pros and cons of drug testing for employment to help you decide.

Pro: It Creates a Safer Work Environment

Employment drug testing is essential to maintain the safety and well-being of all employees. Whether you supervise workers in a manufacturing facility, warehouse, school, corporation, or construction site, drug testing is crucial to ensuring all employees follow safe protocols during their everyday responsibilities. Sober employees are less likely to commit infractions, and frequent testing increases the odds that employees remain sober.

Con: It’s Potentially Intrusive

However, when considering employment drug testing, keep in mind that certain people may take issue with the intrusiveness of the test. There are many types of drug tests employers can administer. Hair, saliva, urine, and blood tests are the most common, but some of these intrude on an employee’s personal boundaries. For instance, hair follicle tests require 90 to 120 strands of scalp or body hair for a sample size. Fingernail drug tests also require an on-body sample. Some tests, like urine tests, are less intrusive but may leave the employee feeling uncomfortable about the process. Remind employees before they begin that drug testing is safe and harmless and helps promote a clean work environment.

Pro: It Ensures Employee Accountability

As with safety, one of the pros of drug testing for employment is that it builds employee accountability. Accountability is essential to a productive workforce. Supervisors and managers need to feel that they can trust their employees with their respective tasks. Drug testing, therefore, holds employees accountable for their own actions. Employees who show up to work under the influence of any substance are liable for termination and possible legal action if an accident or injury takes place. It is up to the employer to hold employees accountable for their actions and behaviors while on the job.

Con: It May Lead to Distrust Between Employees and Employers

One last thing to keep in mind is that drug testing may build distrust between employees and employers. Employees may feel a sense of betrayal or dismay at the thought of drug testing. To them, it may look as though you don’t trust their judgment. Others may take it as a personal insult to their lifestyle. You can avoid these issues by reminding employees that everyone is subject to drug tests and that these tests are standard to evaluate the condition of the workforce.

About My Health has all the employment drug tests you need for your employees. Our hair drug and alcohol testsyield fast, reliable results within seven business days. They’re simple and only require 90 to 120 strands of head hair, approximately 1.5–2 inches in length. The hair alcohol test has a detection time of 90 days from potential usage. Call now for more information about how to order hair follicle drug tests for your business.