3 Best Practices in Implementing an Alcohol and Drug Policy

3 Best Practices in Implementing an Alcohol and Drug Policy

Effective implementation of Alcohol and Drug policies requires preparation of resources and a lead-in approach to testing to ensure functionality of the testing.

Best practices involve:

Provision of clearinformation to staff regarding implementation. A 4 week moratorium period is a good setting up procedure. This allows everyone to become familiar with the intended procedures. It also allows staff to adjust to the new situation. Giving time for adjustment often encourages interest in the positive elements of the plan, like employee counseling, and employee assistance programs.

It's advisable to ensure that all staff receive a thorough, professionally conducted briefing on the implementation process and receive written notification of the program's commencement. This removes any ambiguity and prevents the risk of any spread of disinformation in the workplace. The better informed staff are regarding the policy and methodologies, the less the chance of misinterpretation.

Implementation of policies based on proven and standardized testing methods. Standardized testing is the most reliable, as well as the simplest approach to implementation. The many safeguard elements in standardized testing should be emphasized in the course of the lead-in period to implementation. These are well established methods with clear testing protocols which reduce any possibility of error and ensure fairness.

The use of clearly understood testing processes is an efficient way of ensuring general understanding of the processes involved. Proper understanding of the processes also reinforces the positive elements of the testing process. A reassuring testing environment can assist greatly in promoting the "Get Help" message to employees wishing to take advantage of the employer's assistance programs. The testing methods can be clearly seen as an opportunity to deal with tough personal issues in a confidential environment, with employer support.

Typical testing methods involve use of:

Drug testing kits

Saliva drug test

Urine drug test

Split specimen cup

At the practical level, familiarity with the process reduces anxiety, and makes the testing procedures straightforward and comprehensible. It also simplifies the role and tasks of those conducting the tests, because those tested understand what's required.

Random testing without any inference of targeting, draconian or unfair practices. This is essential to ensure credibility of the testing regime and reinforce the positive elements of testing. Random selection should be kept to a simple process. The random sampling method can be as simple as by the physical selection of coloured beads from a container.

It's extremely important to reinforce the message of fairness through the implementation process. There should be no practise of "targeting" of individuals, or any form of undue pressure being placed on employees. To ensure success of the program, management should be alert to any inference of improper selection for random testing. A loss of trust in the process can cause a culture of evasion and rumors, which is a particularly unproductive outcome. It's in the interest of all parties to ensure that the alcohol and drug screening process is entirely transparent.

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