Substance Abuse Prevalent in Workplace, Research Shows
It’s cited among the most serious issues by nearly 70 percent of employers.
By Garry Kranz Comments 0 | Recommend 0
Ignoring Junkies in the Workplace: Employers are too timid when it comes to
helping substance abusers overcome their cravings. According to the Hazelden Foundation, a Center City,
Minnesota-based nonprofit, substance abuse and drug addiction are among the most
serious workplace issues facing employers in America, cited by 67 percent of HR
professionals. Yet the problem is being kept in the shadows, with less than
one-quarter of companies (22 percent) “openly and proactively” dealing with the
issue. The survey of 1,000 HR professionals revealed that, while many companies
provide employee assistance benefits, few addicted workers are being referred
for treatment, mostly because of their reluctance to talk about it and HR’s
discomfort in raising the issue. Hazelden provides drug treatment and related
services.
Workforce Management contributing editor Garry Kranz is based in Richmond, Virginia. E-mail editors@workforce.com to comment.
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