Random drug testing is an important component of maintaining workplace safety. It helps encourage employees to avoid drug and alcohol use and to come to work sober. But, what happens when your best employee fails a drug test? Situations like this certainly put you in a difficult position. Here are a few tips to help you handle the situation appropriately.
Review company policy
Before having any conversations with your employee, review your company’s policy regarding drug screening. Some companies may mandate immediate termination or suspension if employees fail a drug screen, especially if the substance in question is not medically mandated. Other companies may choose to treat the employee with some leniency and allow him the chance to get treatment for a substance abuse problem. Go over these policies and make a plan before you talk to your employee.
Ask for a medical explanation
When you talk with your employee, begin by asking the employee for a medical explanation for the substances in his system. Medications for chronic pain, mental health conditions, or other medical illnesses could potentially cause an employee to fail a drug screening. If the employee can provide documentation from a doctor that justifies the presence of these
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These excuses may run the gamut from a flat out denial, claims of a mistake, or the implausible claim that he was simply around other people who were using the substance and must have gotten a “contact buzz”. Or, the employee may simply own up to the mistake and ask for forgiveness. Give the employee’s explanation some genuine consideration. If he is one of your best, obviously he has some redeeming qualities and deserves to be heard. However, don’t allow yourself to be misled. If an employee fails a drug test, chances are the simplest explanation is the best one: he knowingly used the