It is no secret that the country has a drug problem and, according to Briefings magazine, that problem is increasingly spilling over into the workplace, making it difficult for employers to identify potential employees who are not using drugs. In fact, more than half of the applicants of a vehicle delivery company recently failed the drug screening stage of the application process. According to the latest survey of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, drug use rose from 5.5 percent in 2004 to 8.3 percent in 2014 among adults 26 and older. And with the recent legalization of marijuana in many states, the most commonly used drug is showing up even more in tests. The latest Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index (DTI) revealed a fifth straight year of increases in the detection of amphetamine, heroin and marijuana, costing employers billions due to higher absenteeism, lower productivity and a greater risk for accidents or injury. What does this mean for companies who have positions to fill? It means using geography and demographic tools to find stronger applicants, even if that means a relocation.
