Drugs in The WorkPlace

Illicit drug use can cause challenges for employers when employees use drugs before or during work, and when employees use drugs during non-work hours and experience after-effects, like hangovers, during the workday. Costs to employers associated with drug use and its after-effects can include decreased productivity, higher rates of workplace injuries  and more frequent absenteeism. Depending on the substance, users may also be more likely to experience after-effects from drug use, that may impair their abilities on the job. For workers in occupations that require driving vehicles or heavy machinery, this issue may be of particular concern. Workers who are skipping work due to drug use are more likely to experience workplace conflict with a supervisor or peers. Such conflict may damage morale and create an uncomfortable work environment for other employees.