Drugs in the Workplace: How Big is the Problem?
Levels of drug use across the population in the U.K are now so high that it is inevitable that drugs will effect any workplace, no matter how large or small. A range of organisations have carried out research into the size of the problem for employers:
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A study in the Health and Safety Monitor estimated that drug use costs industry in the UK £800 million per year. |
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A survey of 1800 personnel professionals by the Institute of Personnel and Development found that 18% had reported drug-taking incidents in their workplace. |
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Between 10% - 15% of the workplace drug tests carried out in the UK are positive (cannabis is the most common drug detected.) |
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A paper in the Journal of Applied Psychology showed that employees who use drugs have approximately 60% higher rates of absenteeism and a 47% higher rate of involuntary termination of employment than other workers. |
What are the Signs of Drug Use in the Workplace?
Drug use is a very complex issue. It is important to remember that all drugs are different, and affect the user in different ways. They can alter the way a person thinks, perceives and feels, and this can lead to either impaired judgement or concentration. Drug misuse can also bring about the neglect of general health and wellbeing. This may adversely influence performance at work, even when the misuse takes place outside the workplace. It is important to remember that some of the signs of drug use listed below could be caused by other factors, such as mental illness, stress, or relationship breakdown.
Signs of drug use might include:
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Increased short term sickness and absenteeism |
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A deterioration in relationships with colleagues, customers or management |
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Altered and slow reactions |
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Unusual irritability or aggression |
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Increased workload for colleagues |
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Increased levels of accidents and mistakes |
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Increases in petty theft |
Careful record keeping in relation to theft, accidents, and absenteeism in your workplace might reveal recurring patterns in a particular section of the workforce.
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