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Workplace The Statistics Are Sobering. Research Paper

Such results, if typical, would have a dramatic impact on the bottom line of any company that implements such programs. By definition, this improves employee productivity ($ value output per employee). Conclusion

In our company, substance abuse by employees is a serious problem, and the impacts mirror those of other companies in the developed world. While we do not experience significant rates of injuries as the result of substance abuse, we do experience the other negative outcomes that are associated with substance abuse in the workplace -- absenteeism and lost productivity especially. There are pervasive negative effects on the culture of the organization as well, with employee resentment occurring, but yet not being manifested in either stigmatization or support.

As with most firms, we understand that it is in all likelihood easier and cheaper to address substance abuse issues with the employee than it is to find, hire and train new employees. As such, a program of strategies has been recommended that has been demonstrated in the field to have positive impacts on substance abuse rates and effects. The overarching theme of the program is the intent to change the organizational culture with respect to substance abuse. The current culture simply does not handle the issue well. The organizational culture can be changed through increased education and training, increased prevention and intervention investment and the implementation of random testing.

These tactics will all serve to change the social norms within the company in two ways. The first is by introducing social norms that specifically identify substance abuse as a critical problem in the workplace. The second is by demonstrating to the workforce that management takes the issue of substance abuse seriously and is willing to address the issue in a positive, productive manner. Such tactics should improve the rate of employee buy-in, leading to the desired culture shift and resulting positive outcomes. The literature on the subject supports the program's effectiveness and provides guidance for the implementation of these tactics as well.

Works Cited:

Bacharach, S.; Bamberger, P. & Biron, M. (2010). Alcohol consumption and workplace absenteeism: The moderating effect of social support. Journal of Applied Psychology. Vol. 95 (2)...

& Trudeau, J. (1996). Substance abuse prevention in the workplace: Recent findings and an expanded conceptual model. Journal of Primary Prevention. Vol. 16 (3) 319-339.
Cook, R. & Schlenger, W. (2002). Prevention of substance abuse in the workplace: Review of research on the delivery of services. Journal of Primary Prevention. Vol. 23 (1) 115-142.

FSIPP. (2010). Prescription drug abuse in the workplace on the rise. Centre Daily Times. Retrieved October 23, 2010 from http://www.centredaily.com/2010/10/21/2287321/prescription-drug-abuse-in-the.html

Gmel, G. & Rehm, J. (2003). Harmful alcohol use. Alcohol Research & Health. Vol. 27, 2003.

Jaffer, N.; Jamieson, B.; Kennedy, J.; Khan, J.; Knox, H.; Koenig, E.; Kother, D. & Lamb, J. (2008). Resources of relevance to occupational therapists working to help employees whose misuse of alcohol affects the workplace. University of Alberta. Retrieved October 23, 2010 from http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/ot/pdfs/Selected%20Resources%20book%20MAy%202009.pdf#page=30

Keleman, D. (1995). How to recognize substance abuse in the workplace. Supervision. Retrieved October 23, 2010 from http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/workforce-management/520699-1.html

Mehay, S. & Pacula, R. (1999). The effectiveness of workplace drug prevention policies: Does zero tolerance work? NBER Working Paper No. w7383.

Miller, T.; Zaloshnja, T. & Spicer, R. (2006). Effectiveness and benefit-cost of peer-based workplace substance abuse prevention coupled with random testing. Accident Analysis & Prevention. Vol. 39 (3) 565-573.

OSHA. (2010). Workplace substance abuse. Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Retrieved October 23, 2010 from http://63.234.227.130/SLTC/substanceabuse/index.html

Reynolds, G.; Lehman, W. & Bennett, J. (2008). Psychosocial correlates of the perceived stigma of problem drinking in the workplace. Journal of Primary Prevention. Vol. 29 (4) 341-356.

SAMHSA. (2010). Why you should care about having a drug-free workplace. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved October 23, 2010 from http://www.workplace.samhsa.gov/wpworkit/pdf/why_you_should_care_about_having_a_drug_free_workplace_fs.pdf

Sources used in this document:
Works Cited:

Bacharach, S.; Bamberger, P. & Biron, M. (2010). Alcohol consumption and workplace absenteeism: The moderating effect of social support. Journal of Applied Psychology. Vol. 95 (2) 334-348.

Cook, R.; Back, A. & Trudeau, J. (1996). Substance abuse prevention in the workplace: Recent findings and an expanded conceptual model. Journal of Primary Prevention. Vol. 16 (3) 319-339.

Cook, R. & Schlenger, W. (2002). Prevention of substance abuse in the workplace: Review of research on the delivery of services. Journal of Primary Prevention. Vol. 23 (1) 115-142.

FSIPP. (2010). Prescription drug abuse in the workplace on the rise. Centre Daily Times. Retrieved October 23, 2010 from http://www.centredaily.com/2010/10/21/2287321/prescription-drug-abuse-in-the.html
Jaffer, N.; Jamieson, B.; Kennedy, J.; Khan, J.; Knox, H.; Koenig, E.; Kother, D. & Lamb, J. (2008). Resources of relevance to occupational therapists working to help employees whose misuse of alcohol affects the workplace. University of Alberta. Retrieved October 23, 2010 from http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/ot/pdfs/Selected%20Resources%20book%20MAy%202009.pdf#page=30
Keleman, D. (1995). How to recognize substance abuse in the workplace. Supervision. Retrieved October 23, 2010 from http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/workforce-management/520699-1.html
OSHA. (2010). Workplace substance abuse. Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Retrieved October 23, 2010 from http://63.234.227.130/SLTC/substanceabuse/index.html
SAMHSA. (2010). Why you should care about having a drug-free workplace. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved October 23, 2010 from http://www.workplace.samhsa.gov/wpworkit/pdf/why_you_should_care_about_having_a_drug_free_workplace_fs.pdf
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