When you’re running a startup, it’s important to have a drug policy in place. Your company’s drug policy is an important document that outlines the rules and regulations for drug use in the workplace.
Drug use can be disruptive and dangerous in the workplace, and it can also lead to legal trouble. If you don’t have a policy, you could find yourself dealing with these issues on a case-by-case basis.
A well-crafted policy can help protect your employees and your business. Here are some tips for creating a drug policy at your startup:
What are the benefits of having a drug policy?
There are many benefits to having a drug policy in place at your startup. A few common ones are:
- It helps you create a safe and productive work environment.
- Can protect you from legal trouble.
- Establishes the rules of conduct clearly
- Outlines any punishments or negative consequences
- Allows you to maintain your image as a responsible business.
What should be included in the policy?
It’s best to make the policy flexible and address any drug use. You’ll need to decide what types of drugs are common drugs of abuse that you want to include in your policy. Generally, you’ll want to cover both illegal and prescription drugs. Some companies make exceptions for marijuana and certain opioids, but it’s up to you to decide if you’ll do the same.
Some startups also consider alcohol as part of their drug use policy. Others choose to exclude it or address it under a different policy. It’s up to you how and whether you want to address alcohol use.
It’s also possible you won’t allow drugs during work hours but won’t have a policy in place for after-hours behavior. Some companies go as far as to state that as long as you don’t show up to work intoxicated and can efficiently do your job, they don’t care if you do drugs or not.
You’ll want to include if your company will require any mandatory drug testing. Some companies will regularly test for drugs, while some don’t drug test at all. Others will only test before hiring new employees.
The consequences for drug use
The consequences of drug use will vary depending on your policy. You may want to have a zero-tolerance policy, which means that any drug use will result in termination.
Alternatively, you may choose to allow drugs but have disciplinary actions in place for those who abuse them. For instance, you could use a tier system. If someone is caught abusing drugs once, it’s a write-up, or you issue them a warning. If they’re caught again, they might be put on suspicion. If they’re caught a third time, they could be terminated.
You could also include an option for your employee to seek professional help to address their drug use or treatment for addiction, should they be caught abusing drugs. This would allow employees to keep their jobs and seek the right treatment.
What are some of the dangers of not having a drug policy?
As mentioned earlier, if you don’t have a drug policy in place, you could find yourself in legal trouble. For example, if someone were to overdose while on the job, you could be held liable, regardless of if it was your fault or not.
Additionally, some workers may try to sue you if they’re fired for drug use, especially if there is no policy in place that makes their termination legal. In some cases, employees have been able to get around basic protections and keep receiving unemployment benefits even after being fired for using drugs at work.
You could also face disciplinary action from the government or other organizations if an employee is caught using drugs at work. You could receive a fine or potentially a lawsuit for something like fostering an unsafe work environment or endangering your employees or customers.
How should the policy be communicated to employees?
Your drug policy should be communicated to all employees in an easily accessible format. You can do this in a variety of ways, such as including it in your employee handbook, posting it on your company website, or sending it out as an email.
Ensure the language you use is clear and concise, so all your employees understand what behaviors are against policy. You should also include specific examples of the types of drugs you’ll be covering to help everyone fully grasp the impact on their jobs.
Finally, consider having a review period every few months to ensure your policy remains up-to-date.
Having a drug policy in place is important for running a successful startup. By deciding in advance what types of drugs you’ll be covering and the consequences of using them, you can create a safe and productive work environment for everyone.
A well-written drug policy can also help to protect you from legal issues and keep you out of trouble with other organizations. And, when shared clearly with your employees, they’ll know your company’s expectations.
