Substance Abuse Policies on Workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Substance Abuse Policies on Workplace - Essay Example The employer should refer the employee to an EAP program. EAP's furnish professional counselors who provide confidential assessment and short-term counseling to employees and their families in order to assist in dealing with substance abuse, marriage and family problems, stress related problems, financial and legal difficulties. The business community recognizes that everyday life stresses and more serious problems such as drug abuse can negatively affect employee attendance, concentration and productivity. Employees realize that being provided with an EAP to help solve these problems means the employer values the employee. Whether or not an employee uses the services of the company EAP, there is more respect for the employer who provides the service. The EAP will keep the employer informed of the employee's progress and compliance with treatment. Although having an EAP available is not a legal requirement, it is good business. Against that backdrop, employees know that their employer has their interests at heart. Managers should choose an appropriate time to annually reiterate to employees the company's substance abuse insurance benefits. At that time, clearly make known the company's commitment to confidentiality and interest in employees' well being. Encourage workers to take advantage of available insurance coverage if they need help for alcoholism or other drug dependency.