Big Workplace Losses Due to Substance Use Disorders

(Fall 2017) Companies are often unaware of the many impacts substance abuse among employees has on the organization as a whole. They also may not realize the extent of substance abuse in the workplace. Here are just a couple of data points to illustrate the prevalence: It’s estimated that seven out of ten Americans who use illicit drugs are part of the workforce, and statistics also show that nearly one-quarter of U.S. employees admit to drinking during work hours within the past year.

No industry is immune to workers with substance use disorders, but some sectors are notable for higher than average rates. These include such diverse areas as the hospitality and construction industries as well as first-response positions (police, EMTs, and firefighters).

Even if a slight percentage of its workers have a substance use disorder, a business may lose a great deal in productivity. Additionally, it can spend a substantial amount on legal fees and health insurance, all of which detract from a company’s bottom line. In fact, as of 1992, the cost of workplace substance abuse was ballparked near $81 billion; this figure has almost surely risen in the 25 years since that approximation.

Productivity can be lost through absenteeism, of course, but it can also be lowered even if the employee reports to work, as he or she may be distracted or in an altered state and not able to completely focus on the job at hand. This lack of attention, in turn, is a contributing factor to workplace accidents and injuries. For example, at-risk drinkers comprise 35% of visitors to the emergency room due to on-the-job injuries.

Going beyond monetary losses, the actions and behaviors of those with a substance abuse disorder can take a toll on other workers’ morale and interpersonal relationships, both on the job and at home.

As Working Partners® always stresses, it is vital for employers to develop a defined drug-free workplace policy and either have a responsible plan to assist employees or to employ a quality Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to lower the human and monetary cost of substance abuse. Although EAPs work in tandem with Human Resources departments to foster general employee wellness, they often concentrate on giving workers with substance abuse issues the information they need to access treatment and recovery programs.

An EAP is truly a worthwhile investment, producing, in general, a three-dollar return on every dollar spent. Such programs also save employers the time and expense of training new hires to replace workers who otherwise may be terminated due to substance abuse.

See more Alcohol and Drug Trends articles.