The remote work landscape has created difficulties for employers that are trying to maintain a drug-free work environment. A Quest Diagnostics report shows that 1 in 3 Americans are more likely to drink alcohol during working hours while working from home. And Quit Genius has reported that lost productivity because of a substance abuse disorder can cost employers $25.5 billion overall annually. Pre-employment (and continuous) drug testing can help reduce turnover, increase productivity, decrease absenteeism, and improve workplace safety, among other positive factors. Employers should consider revising existing drug testing policies to include screening remote workers and should clearly state that drug and alcohol use while working from home is prohibited.
