100 likes | 287 Views
Tools and Tactics for Educating Employers on the Advantages of a Drug-Free Workplace. Working Partners for an Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Program U.S. Department of Labor. DOL Approach. Encourage implementation of comprehensive drug-free workplace programs
E N D
Tools and Tacticsfor Educating Employers on theAdvantages of a Drug-Free Workplace Working Partners for an Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Program U.S. Department of Labor
DOL Approach Encourage implementation of comprehensive drug-free workplace programs • Address workplace substance abuse; not just illicit drug use • Non-regulatory • Protect rights of workers and employers • Small business as primary target • Incremental approach
Previous DOL Initiatives • Publications and video training programs • Useful, but ineffective distribution • Conferences, training sessions, workshops • Difficult to attract small business owners • EAP Grant Program (3 year) • Large single employers succeeded; but EAP consortia unable to become self-sufficient
Small Business Findings • Recognize societal substance abuse problem -- but not in their workplace • Notsmall BIG businesses • Unsure of legal rights and obligations • Oppose governmental regulation • Wary of “programs” • Look to trade associations for information
Small Business Basics • Diversity of size, industry, management style • Scarcity of time, energy, resources • Disproportionate impact of troubled employees • “Family” orientation • Lack human resources or admin infrastructure • Few offer adequate behavioral health benefits • Need financial incentives & cost offsets
Working Partners Approach • Industry-specific materials • Small business success stories • Focus on benefits • Inform of liabilities, legal rights/obligations • Partner with trade associations • Engage small business champions • Utilize Internet to disseminate information
DFW Program Components • Policy and Procedures • Employee Awareness and Education • Supervisory Training • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Drug Testing
Special Concerns • Parents as employees? • Consider providing information to help parents talk to their children about drugs • Young employees? • Household products can be abused as inhalants
Words of Caution • Drug testing Drug-Free Workplace Program • One size does not fit all • Policy Procedures • Accommodate incremental program implementation • Join forces to promote DFWP and deliver services
Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplacewww.dol.gov/dol/workingpartners.htm • Small Business Initiative • Industry-specific materials • Substance Abuse Information Database (SAID) • Repository of workplace resources • Drug-Free Workplace Advisor • Interactive expert system • Welfare to Work • Improving job training, placement and retention