Both employers and employees have a responsibility to contribute to not only a productive, positive, and comfortable work environment, but also to a safe workplace. Instituting a drug testing program can help to accomplish these outcomes. The following list details the most common reasons employers implement and sustain workplace drug testing programs.

1. Improve company image. Drug testing can help to boost consumer confidence around product quality, safety, reputation, and employment best practices.
2. Provide a safe workplace for employees. Implementing a drug testing program can help to reduce on-the-job accidents and crime involving drugs.
3. Comply with state laws and Federal regulations. Employers are responsible for understanding and adhering to their local and Federal laws. For some safety-sensitive industries, drug testing is a requirement.
4. Manage healthcare and insurance costs. An enforced drug testing program can aid in avoiding costs related to alcohol and drug-related injuries and illness, while helping to lower worker’s compensation exposure.
5. Improve company morale. Drug testing can help promote a safer work environment, playing a role in fostering a positive corporate culture.
6. Enhance employee productivity. A drug testing program can help to reduce unscheduled leave, absences, tardiness, and employee turnover.
7. Deter drug use and rehabilitate employees. Effective drug testing programs can help to deter drug use among employees; further, testing can help to identify those who may need employee assistance or rehabilitation services for a substance use disorder.
8. Protect employees, customers, and the public. Drug testing protects employees, customers, and the public from employees using drugs; it can also help to keep employees safe from harm and employers safe from liability.
9. Prevent hiring candidates who use drugs. Pre-employment drug testing helps to prevent hiring individuals who use illicit drugs.
10. Keep employers and employees educated. A well-run drug testing program provides tools employees need to participate and benefit from a drug-free workplace, as well as information about the physical effects of drug use and the nature of addiction.

Employers should consider their unique business needs, and select elements of a drug testing program that will be most beneficial to their job roles and environment. An effective workplace drug testing policy, combined with proper education, can help employers benefit from a number of both tangible and intangible advantages.

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