Drug use and abuse have been an ongoing topic for discussion by employers for decades. In fact, pre-employment drug testing is conducted by more than 80% of US employers. In the past few years, however, changes in the social and legal environment, particularly at the state level, have brought new attention to the concerns over drug use. In addition, the misuse of prescription drugs, in particular opioids, has raised new concerns for employers over safety and security.
What do employers need to know about the current environment and what can they do to protect their employees and the firm from problems related to drug use and abuse.
Employees who abuse drugs, including illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drugs, either on their own time or at work, pose a significant and wide-ranging problem for employers, managers, and co-workers. These problems can include diminished job performance, lower productivity, absenteeism, tardiness, turnover, and increased medical and workers’ compensation bills. Employees who abuse drugs can also make the workplace more dangerous and can expose employers to increased risk of legal liability.
Every industry and every employer are affected, in some way, by the legalization trend. Of particular concern is the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana. It is always better to be proactive rather than reactive and human resource professionals are wise to prepare for the coming changes in their state laws.
What do employers need to know about the current environment and what can they do to protect their employees and the firm from problems related to drug use and abuse.
Employees who abuse drugs, including illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drugs, either on their own time or at work, pose a significant and wide-ranging problem for employers, managers, and co-workers. These problems can include diminished job performance, lower productivity, absenteeism, tardiness, turnover, and increased medical and workers’ compensation bills. Employees who abuse drugs can also make the workplace more dangerous and can expose employers to increased risk of legal liability.
Why you should Attend
The present trend toward legalization suggests that more states will alter their drug testing laws to account for the legalization of marijuana. This creates a need for employers to maintain a safe and drug-free workplace in the environment created by these new regulations.Every industry and every employer are affected, in some way, by the legalization trend. Of particular concern is the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana. It is always better to be proactive rather than reactive and human resource professionals are wise to prepare for the coming changes in their state laws.
Areas Covered in the Session
- The changing societal and legal environment concerning marijuana and prescription drugs
- The current state of the Federal government’s view of drug use, in particular, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Food and Drug Administration
- The changing types of drugs and the challenge to employers to anticipate the impact on their workforce
- What to do about your current pre-employment drug testing program
- What changes to your policies may be necessary for states that allow medical marijuana and/or recreational marijuana?
Speaker
Greg Chartier is Principal of The Office of Gregory J Chartier, a Human Resources Consulting firm and is a well-known management consultant, educator and speaker and author of the recently published What Law Did You Break Today? His practice is based on the Business Partner Model of Human Resources, which places its’ emphasis on outsourcing, the use of technology to gain efficiencies and the improvement of managerial skills.Who Should Attend
- Human Resource Supervisor
- Human Resource Manager
- VP Human Resources
- Director of Human Resources
- Small Business Owners and Managers
- Other Senior HR Staff
- Senior staff in Finance, Information Management, or Facilities
