skip navigational linksDOL Seal - Link to DOL Home Page
Photos representing the workforce - Digital Imagery© copyright 2001 PhotoDisc, Inc.
www.dol.gov/asp
November 3, 2008    DOL Home > OASP > Working Partners   
Home  Drug-Free Workplace  Safety and Health  Substance Abuse Basics  Laws and Regulations  Statistics  Special Issues
Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace.  Photos representing the workforce - Digital Imagery© copyright 2001 PhotoDisc, Inc.

Symptoms and Intervention Techniques

If substance abuse is contributing to an employee’s poor performance, ignoring or avoiding the issue will not help the situation. An employee’s use of alcohol or drugs may be the root of the performance problem; however, substance abuse on the part of someone close to the employee also could be the source. Regardless, abuse of alcohol or other drugs inevitably leads to costly and potentially dangerous consequences in the workplace unless action is taken to confront the issue.

It is important to note that diagnosis of an alcohol or other drug problem is not the job of a supervisor. However, remaining alert to changes in employee performance and working to improve employee productivity is a core component of every supervisor’s job. Because substance abuse seriously affects an employee’s ability to fulfill his/her responsibilities, supervisors play a key role in keeping a workplace alcohol and drug free.

To carry out this responsibility, a supervisor must clearly understand a company’s drug-free workplace policy and have the ability to identify performance problems that may be the result of alcohol and drug abuse. Furthermore, a supervisor should be capable of making appropriate referrals to employees in need of assistance for alcohol- or drug-related problems.

Symptoms

The following performance and behavior problems are common to many employed individuals who abuse alcohol and/or other drugs. It is important to note that if an employee displays these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean he or she has a substance abuse problem.

Performance

  • inconsistent work quality
  • poor concentration
  • lowered productivity
  • increased absenteeism
  • unexplained disappearances from the jobsite
  • carelessness, mistakes
  • errors in judgment
  • needless risk taking
  • disregard for safety
  • extended lunch periods and early departures

Behavior

  • frequent financial problems
  • avoidance of friends and colleagues
  • blaming others for own problems and shortcomings
  • complaints about problems at home
  • deterioration in personal appearance
  • complaints and excuses of vaguely defined illnesses

Intervention

When an employee’s performance deteriorates for whatever reason, his/her supervisor has an obligation to intervene. The supervisor does not need to be an expert on alcohol and drug abuse to do so because the intervention should be focused on the employee’s performance problem.

The following principles of intervention may be followed by supervisors who need to confront a staff member about a performance problem that may be related to substance abuse.

Maintain control

  • Stick to the facts as they affect work performance.
  • Do not rely on memory; have all supporting documents and records available.
  • Do not discuss alcohol or drug use.

Be clear and firm

  • Explain company policy concerning performance.
  • Explain company drug-free workplace policy.
  • Explain consequences if performance expectations are not met.

Be supportive, but avoid emotional involvement

  • Offer help in resolving performance problems.
  • Identify resources for help in addressing personal problems.

 



Phone Numbers