Is Testing Becoming More or Less Popular?

Drug and alcohol testing has only been around since the 1980s. The recent development and implementation of this practice, coupled with perceived violations of privacy, has meant that it did not begin with as much popularity as it has today. Both employers and employees have been hesitant to “get excited” about it, since mixed reviews might lead to outright hostility. Organizations which require both management and employed staff to receive alcohol testing are far more likely to succeed in continuing to do so, than other companies which are more lenient with management positions. The perceived violation of privacy can be started or exacerbated by the wrong attitudes or treatment from employers, and can become worse over time if these attitudes are not adjusted.

Employees must not feel as if they are being judged or weighed in the balance, because even the most highly motivated individuals with the best work ethic can become discouraged or fearful in that type of environment. One of the most effective means of increasing productivity within a company is to increase pride in work and personal achievement, and to not make this dependent upon a pay scale or a bonus package. When handling your employees, it is recommended that you read Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom by Dr. William Glasser. This book indicates how using choice theory in the drug free workplace is incredibly useful to both the productivity and the motivation of employed staff and that the net revenue will rise accordingly. Dr. Glasser states that employees can become happier and more useful on less money if they are treated in specific ways, namely showing them respect, giving them room for creative innovation, and not micromanaging their every move. Leading social networking companies, such as Linked In and Twitter, employ these strategies with similarly successful results.

What does all of this mean? It means that the popularity of drug testing within your workplace does not have to dependent upon current societal trends, but upon your own good judgment and effective management of your employees. You do not have to pass out fliers in the office about how great it is and how excited you are about implementing it. Your own wisdom and discretion will do the selling for you.

CMM Technology develops quality drug and alcohol testing equipment for your workplace. Telephone  618 9204 2500