Stress
We live in a fast moving world. The added pressures at work can add up to a lot of stress and result in a myriad of problems. When employees are unhappy, they are more likely to turn to substance abuse to help deal with the problems they are facing. This can lead to increases in absenteeism, lost productivity, costly mistakes and work place accidents. No business wants any of these negative incidents, but preventing stress in the workplace can be hard to do. Therefore, it is especially important to find strategies to help your employees deal with their problems, which can significantly decrease the risk of substance abuse in the workplace.
Over-worked employees
Stress is bad enough. However, it is important to look at the underlying causes of the stress in order to combat it effectively. One of the main causes of work related stress is employees being given an unrealistic workload. No matter how talented a worker is, there is only so much he or she can do in a work day before the quality of work is negatively affected, as well as the employee’s overall well being.
Lack of physical fitness
With jobs increasingly becoming more sedentary and less physical, employees are at risk for not getting enough exercise to maintain optimum physical health. In addition, busy office workers often choose whatever foods are quickest to prepare and consume, not those that are best for maintaining weight and physical health. Some companies have formed strategies to combat these problems by offering employees a company gym or a paid for membership to a local gym as a perk.
Physical injuries
Falls and other physical injuries are not just painful to the employee and his or her family, but they are also harmful to your company’s reputation and profits. When a worker gets injured or causes an injury to others through negligence, your company may have to compensate for lost work time, injuries and more. Employees that are under the influence of intoxicating and/or illegal substances pose a great risk to themselves and the safety of others. A simple oral fluid lab testcan help employers determine if an employee has consumed illicit substances. If this is done pre-employment, it can help prevent the hiring of those that are prone to substance abuse. Such a test is also helpful if you begin to suspect that an employee might be a substance abuser. The sooner this sort of behavior is eliminated from the work place, the healthier and more productive your company will be.
Caring for employees is an investment in your company’s future
The healthier and more satisfied your employees are, the more they can contribute to the success of your company. As an employer, it is in your best interest to be aware of stressful circumstances in your work place and attempt to alleviate them. When employees are stressed, they are not able to perform as good team players. Try to keep an open and accepting dialogue with all your employees so that they feel comfortable voicing concerns. Many stressful situations can be prevented by good communication.