Workplace Partnerships

Employers Must Be Vigilant Observers

Meth use is on the increase everywhere. More than ever, employers need to understand the possible signs of substance abuse and have policies and practices in place to keep the workplace safe.

In 2003, Quest Diagnostics, an employee drug testing firm, reported a 68 percent increase in meth use among workers and job applicants. The company administered 7.1 million drug tests nationally in 2003. While marijuana remains the most popular drug, with three out of 100 testing positive, 3.2 out of 1,000 tested positive for meth, up from 1.9 out of 1,000 in 2002.

According to Tex Whitney, executive vice president of Columbia Bank, small and large businesses should consider the following:

Use criminal background checks. "If someone has a criminal conviction in their background, they don't come to work here."

Look for patterns. Behavioral indicators of substance abuse such as missing work regularly on specific days like Mondays and Fridays. "People who are substance abusers are more likely to overdo it on weekends, so we look for a consistent pattern of absenteeism."

Note dramatic changes in work performance. "If someone who was a top performer suddenly has poor performance, we look more closely at that. "

Do your homework. Develop a zero tolerance substance abuse policy for employees to sign. The policy should outline the steps the employer can take if employees violate the policy, which could include referral for assessment, treatment, or job termination. "We have policies in our code of conduct. We're committed to providing a drug and alcohol-free workplace."

At Columbia Bank, an employee's supervisor reports any issues to a human resources officer, who works directly with the employee on any further steps. This may include a referral to a third-party assessment through an Employee Assistance Program.

"Supervisors who observe unusual patterns with employee conduct report it to an HR officer who decides a course of action. We keep our supervisors focused on performance," says Whitney.

He is proud that the bank rarely had to use this procedure in 11 years, but acknowledges that the service industry is not immune to meth abuse: "In a white collar industry, we are certainly not absolved from substance abuse issues. We will continue to focus on performance and behavior to ensure a drug and alcohol-free workplace."