Tools and Tactics for Educating Employers on the Advantages of a Drug-Free Workplace Working Partners for an Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Program U.S. Department of Labor

DOL Approach Encourage implementation of comprehensive drug-free workplace programs Address workplace substance abuse; not just illicit drug use Non-regulatory Protect rights of workers and employers Small business as primary target Incremental approach

Previous DOL Initiatives Publications and video training programs –Useful, but ineffective distribution Conferences, training sessions, workshops –Difficult to attract small business owners EAP Grant Program (3 year) –Large single employers succeeded; but EAP consortia unable to become self-sufficient

Small Business Findings Recognize societal substance abuse problem -- but not in their workplace Not small BIG businesses Unsure of legal rights and obligations Oppose governmental regulation Wary of “programs” Look to trade associations for information

Small Business Basics Diversity of size, industry, management style Scarcity of time, energy, resources Disproportionate impact of troubled employees “Family” orientation Lack human resources or admin infrastructure Few offer adequate behavioral health benefits Need financial incentives & cost offsets

Working Partners Approach Industry-specific materials Small business success stories Focus on benefits Inform of liabilities, legal rights/obligations Partner with trade associations Engage small business champions Utilize Internet to disseminate information

DFW Program Components Policy and Procedures Employee Awareness and Education Supervisory Training Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Drug Testing

Special Concerns Parents as employees? –Consider providing information to help parents talk to their children about drugs Young employees? –Household products can be abused as inhalants

Words of Caution Drug testing  Drug-Free Workplace Program One size does not fit all Policy  Procedures Accommodate incremental program implementation Join forces to promote DFWP and deliver services

Working Partners for an Alcohol - and Drug-Free Workplace Small Business Initiative –Industry-specific materials Substance Abuse Information Database (SAID) –Repository of workplace resources Drug-Free Workplace Advisor –Interactive expert system Welfare to Work –Improving job training, placement and retention