Communicating with Employees About the Company Drug-Free Workplace Program
The methods and manner in which you communicate about your drug-free workplace program to your employees is important to achieve your objectives. When implementing your program, initial communication from the chief executive officer (CEO) or high-level manager will convey a sense of high priority about the drug-free workplace policy and its goals. From time-to-time ongoing messages of support will serve to further emphasize its value. In fact, all supervisors and managers should be well-versed in the goals of the program and how it will serve to meet the mission of the organization.
The Message
The communication should provide the justification for the program and convey a strong statement of support for the safety, health, and well-being of all employees. It should include the following key points:
o Share the rationale for the policy and how it meets the mission of the company.
o Briefly identify and discuss the potential risks of substance abuse to the company including the effects from: absenteeism, tardiness, use of sick leave and health services; increased workers’ compensation and other insurance usage from an increase in injuries, accidents, and theft; lower productivity with reduced product quality; lower employee morale; and increased employee turnover and costs related to the turnover.
o Emphasize the commitment of the company to educating and helping employees avoid the problems related to substance abuse. Share the connection between drugs, alcohol, and mental and physical health status and identify programs in place that support employees and their families.
o Create an atmosphere free from stigma and a clear, non-punitive pathway for employees to seek help for drug and alcohol problems with a return to the workplace during recovery.
o Identify how the overall program will work, how it will affect employees, the benefits of the program, and how employees can access to the policy, procedures, and related materials.
o Share plans for ongoing and future resources and promotion of the drug-free workplace program including employee education, newsletters, fact sheets, supervisor training, and processes for employees to obtain assistance.
Ongoing Program Promotion
o Train all supervisors and managers in the features of the policy and the procedures, their role in the program, identifying the signs and symptoms of substance use, and enhancing supervisory communication skills.
o Promote via company intranet, screen savers, pay stub messages, employee message centers, and question and answer programs.
o Establish a health and safety committee comprised of employees from all departments and demographics.
o Provide employees with access to the policy and procedures at all times.
o Offer complementary programs that promote employee health and wellness such as health insurance, fitness, mental health support, parenting, smoking cessation, weight loss, and recreational opportunities.
Employers should regularly promote the health, safety, drug-free workplace, and wellness programs among their workers. Company-wide, diverse representation of personnel on a “health and safety committee” encourages personal investment in the agenda and staff who will actively advocate for the overall program among their peers.