2018 has been a challenging year for Human Resources employees and business owners. Two of the top issues, cannibis and employee well-being, are also top of mind here at Workplace Safety Screenings. Have you changed your policies to better accommodate your employees and reduce liability this year?
Cannibis
Cannibis, or marijuana, and the employees who use it, are an increasing concern for employers. Though more than half of the states in the U.S. have legalized marijuana on a local level, federal law still protects employers who choose a zero tolerance policy. In the case of DOT employees, federal law mandates it. There are new developments on the horizon for impairment testing--we'll keep you informed. And, we'll always help you craft the right policy for your business on drug testing.
CBD Oils: We have been hearing reports daily that positives are caused by CBD oil. To acquire legitimate, medically approved CBD oil, and a prescription for it, there are only three dispensaries and 18 approved physicians in the state of Texas. Most likely, your employees are using non-prescriptive CBD oil. All CBD oil likely has THC in it, even by prescription, but those without FDA approval are not required to report the levels of THC vs. CBD. If an employee has been exposed to any THC, he or she will test positive Please caution your employees about CBD oil.
Employee Well-Being
As the unemployment rate continues to decline, employees are expecting more from their employers. The jobless rate touched an 18-year low of 3.8% in May. And, employees are asking for everything from in-house gyms to nap pods. One of the best upgrades that you can make to your employee's experience is an occupational medicine program, specifically designed to treat and prevent workplace illness. This helps your employees have a better day-to-day experience and gets them back on the job faster, boosting well-being and productivity.
As we look forward to 2019, we're expecting to see drug use by employment age Americans become a concern everywhere, employee well-being and benefits increase in priority (especially if the jobless rate remains low), and hiring becoming even more challenging. I am committed to helping my clients stay ahead of these trends in HR and employment, and to equip them with the latest tools and technologies. Everyday, Workplace Safety Screenings is helping employers increase safety and productivity, while lowering liability.
