Effects on the Workplace

Supervisors have a responsibility to the company and to all employees to watch for signs that an employee has a substance abuse problem. If you suspect an employee has a problem, watch for - and document - the appearance of the following signs that are apparent in the workplace at the various stages of abuse.

BUT REMEMBER: Not all of the following may be present in an employee with a substance abuse problem. On the other hand, the appearance of a couple of these signs might be caused by something else, like family or health problems.

Early Stage Abuse

Attendance

Tardy - especially after lunch
Leaves job early
Absent - but with plausible reasons

General Behavior

Complains of not feeling well
Lies - especially with the truth would serve
Fellow workers complain about the employee in question

Job Performance

Disorganized
Misses deadlines
Commits errors due to poor judgment
Decreases efficiency

Middle Stage Abuse

Attendance

Frequent days off for vague ailments - implausible excuses
Often tardy

General Behavior

Behavior becomes inconsistent
Statements become unreliable
Begins to avoid former associates
Borrows money from co-workers
Hospitalized more than average
Frequent minor injuries - both on- and off-the-job
Unreasonable resentments
Grandiose, aggressive behavior
Domestic problems interfere with job
Loss of values
Financial problems, such as garnishments
Refuses to discuss problems

Job Performance

Spasmodic work pace leading to mistakes
Low concentration ability, i.e. - wanders a lot
Job performance below expected level

Late Stage Abuse

Attendance

Unpredictable, prolonged absences

General Behavior

Drinking/drug taking on the job
Frequently undependable]repeated hospitalizations
Visible physical deterioration
Serious family problems/divorce

Job Performance

Repeatedly inconsistent
Unreliable always
Incompetent

What does this mean to you and your business? Enabling one chemically-dependent employee could mean lower productivity and loss of profits for an entire division of your business - and your business as a whole. It could also result in the lowered morale of all employees who have to deal with the dependent employee and who see the situation - and management's response to it - unfold.

If you think an employee is abusing drugs or alcohol, don't turn away. Employers and supervisors walk a thin line between not interfering with an employee's personal life and enabling that employee to continue with his or her addiction. Click here to see some general guidelines on how to address an employee you suspect of being addicted to drugs or alcohol.