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.
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