Companies need to take the problem of drugs in the workplace seriously because of the impact on profits, according to Home Office Minister Bob Ainsworth.
Company bosses need to take the problem of drugs in the workplace seriously because of the major impact it can have on a firm’s productivity and profits, according to Home Office Minister Bob Ainsworth. He told the 4th Annual Combating Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace conference that employers still saw alcohol as a bigger problem, largely because drug use remained hidden. Yet drugs could damage performance through sickness, absenteeism and criminal behaviour at work. He urged businesses to become part of the chain of treatment by developing a compassionate workplace culture with experienced personnel staff offering a programme of support with the help of drug agencies.
He said: ?Business may feel that the only way to deal with drug users is to dismiss them, but I would urge them to think again. Work can often be the only thing that holds a person together and prevent a freefall into more severe addiction with all the problems this brings. There is naturally a limit on the compassion and patience of any employer, and there has to be a time where they take action against employees who do not respond to treatment. But it is important that business takes the compassionate route first and becomes involved in the chain of treatment that holds drug users together. Personnel managers can have a crucial role to play in linking drug users to the help they need. Whilst not addiction specialists, experienced personnel staff can play a supportive role by using their skills of engagement, motivation and encouragement to steer and support employees through treatment.?
