Drug Testing: Is it Really Necessary in the Workplace?

You know I think it's human nature for people to believe the best about people. I especially think this is true for smaller businesses who have few employees and who have personally interviewed their employees. These employers have formed an opinion and by hiring the person showed they have trust in that employee. But can you really tell a book by it's cover? Can you really tell if a person does or doesn't do drugs by your interview and gut instinct?

I ask this because it's been my personal experience as the owner of a drug testing business that you cannot judge a book by its cover. Take this for example: I recently did an onsite testing with an office of about 25 people. This was a reputable business with professional looking employees. As we went in and set up for this random drug test of 25 employees, literally 5 employees went to the supervisor and admitted they had recently used marijuana or methamphetamine. That's one in five employees, folks, who admitted drug use. Even I was surprised by that number. So, if you think you can tell by looking at someone whether or not they use, I say, don't judge a book by its cover.

Drug Testing in a Bad Economy

Wow, what a day! What a week! Yes, I'm thankful to have the business! At the same time I have to share some of the stories I hear from the folks who come in to drug test. Person after person is telling me about their last job that has just laid off the majority of their workforce. Local powerhouses like Ken Small Construction and Gene Watston Construction, Chevron, have all laid off many many people. The auto industry, companies in Bakersfield like Mercedes Benz and others have laid off more than half of their workforce. Even sales people have been downsized dramatically.

Still, these folks are in my office because they are testing for a new job. So, the good news is not every business is in the hole. What industries are these that are still hiring? Real estate offices, oil-field related support companies like Well-Head Testing and construction. Why are some businesses within the same field doing well, while others are not? What's making the difference between one construction services company and another? My opinion is the service. I believe the company's who will make it through this economy are those that have a reputation for excellent service, who are flexible and can assimilate to what their customers are looking for and able to pay. I think this is a great time for small business owners, entreprenuers looking to find their nitch. But it's going to take hard work, outstanding marketing, and flexibility.

One thing about it never changes, the rehabilitation programs and sober living homes have no lack of work or "clients." It's important for every business owner and parent to realize that a major trigger for drug and/or alcohol abuse is the loss of a job or inability to find work. Getting high or drunk is an attempt to escape that pain and depression for just a little while. So as tight as money may be, don't give up your drug testing programs. Now may be more important than ever to keep that program up. Remember that we are able to help you keep your program rolling without watching your bankroll roll out the door. Give us a call today - 631-2444, where we help businesses find solutions to their drug testing costs.