Many businesses do not require their prospective employees to conduct pre-employment drug screenings, but business owners should start implementing this practice. Your employees are given a lot of responsibility. They are asked to drive company vehicles, protect company property from theft and uphold the good reputation of your company, so it is important that your employees go about their business in a safe and drug-free way.

Implementing pre-employment drug screenings is an important process and it is imperative that you create an efficient drug screening process that creates quick and accurate results. A drug testing process that makes potential employees wait too long for results can put your company at risk of losing good talent. No one is willing to wait on a job forever so here are a few tips that will ensure you implement a quick and accurate drug testing policy.

Create an In-House Program

Drug testing does not need to require prospective employees to drive to your local lab and wait to be tested. Employees can conduct same-day on-site drug testing with the proper training. Your local drug testing companies will train HR managers to conduct drug tests onsite at the time the prospective employee is applying for the position at your company. HR managers can be trained to conduct saliva or hair based drug testing. This means prospective employees can get accurate testing results on the same day they applied.

HR departments conducting drug tests is a great way to increase the efficiency of your pre-employment process. However, not every company needs an HR department that can conduct drug screenings so other options are available. If you do not have the resources to train your staff on drug testing, you can hire a local lab to do in house testing. Drug testing companies will gladly come to you and conduct drug testing with same-day results.

Don’t keep your prospective employees waiting on test results. In-house drug testing will ensure you are getting accurate results so you can quickly bring on the newest member of your team.

Implement A Policy

Before you start pre-employment drug screenings it is important to create a drug testing policy.  A good policy is essential to ensuring that screenings are efficient and fair.

When creating a drug testing policy, consistency is key. Drug testing policies should be conducted the same way every time for every current and prospective employee. This means if you using five-panel drug testing than you must continue to use five-panel drug testing for every employee. If you wish to conduct hair testing than you should stick with this type of testing throughout the hiring process.

If your drug testing policy states that every employee must undergo a drug test, then every employee must undergo a drug test. Consistently following your drug testing policy will ensure that everyone is being treated equally and will ensure your company maintains accurate testing results.

Hire an Expert

If you are going to implement a new drug testing policy, you should consult with an expert on how to create the best one. Consultants will ensure that your policy clearly states the type of testing you do and when you conduct testing. A consultant will also teach you the foundations of every drug test so you understand the type of test prospective employees are taking.

The fact of the matter is that drug testing is important. It minimizes risk by helping companies ensure their employees are the right people to uphold your company’s reputation.

 

Sarah Hope is the CEO of 911 Drug Testing in Tempe and Glendale Arizona. 911 Drug Testing is a one-stop-shop for background checks, drug testing, fingerprinting and immunization.