Mohit Jain http://www.integritysampling.com.au 2m 534
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
There may be a time where you will come across a co-worker or a member of your staff reporting to work under alcohol influence or drugs or both. This per. Such a situation can cause not just embarrassment at your workplace; it could also lead to injuries and accidents for the person in question and others in the vicinity.
You have probably tried to reason with such co-workers and employees but can do nothing unless you prove they are under such influence. The best way to find out the truth would be to adopt drug testing and alcohol testing techniques. This way, the suspect worker cannot deny his actions.
There are simple steps that you can do as a responsible employer or co-worker to make your workplace addiction-free. Here are the basic things you need to consider:
Importance of workplace alcohol testing
There are many reasons why a person resorts to alcohol consumption. From habits to daily stress, from peer pressure to celebratory moments, you will find a number of factors that form the basis for your co-workers and employees addiction to drugs and drinking.
When occasional drinking turns to addiction, a person finds it difficult to keep away from such substances and often finds himself in awkward situations. Workplaces lose their sanctity when a drunken co-worker turns up for work compromising the company’s image before clients and endangering the lives of other workers on the premises.
Workplace alcohol testing is increasingly discussed and workplaces are adopting strategies and techniques to curb and prevent alcohol use at workplaces. Many business enterprises, organisations and multinational companies have already adopted drug testing and alcohol testing techniques and carry them out regularly to keep their offices alcohol-free.
Counselling helps
Often, the main culprit in case of an alcoholic worker’s life is stress. Work related as well as personal stress can create havoc in a person’s life. When the person is not able to resolve his problems, there is every chance that he seeks refuge in alcohol or drugs.
Most business organisations that seek a testing and preventive system for addicted workers also involve counsellors to help them to find the reasons for such addiction.
Organisations request seniors and hire professional counsellors to talk to the workers on a regular basis, help them understand their situation and help them seek medical, financial as well as psychiatric help wherever needed.
Assure your employee of confidentiality and help
You may have already identified the employees and co-workers who come to work after consuming drugs or alcohol. When you talk to them about workplace alcohol testing or drug testing measures, assure them of complete confidentiality.
You can tell your counsellors to make sure they are discreet about their conversations and assure the concerned co-workers or employees so that they are not traumatized in any way.
Along with alcohol testing measures, you could also plan how to help your employees overcome their addiction and get their lives back on track.
About the Author
This article is penned by Mohit Jain who currently writes for Integrity Sampling. Integrity Sampling is Australia’s leading workplace drug testing company with an Australia wide presence. They provide complete drug and alcohol management solutions.
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