Remote Worker Substance Use & Reasonable Suspicion

Substance Abuse and Work

• While this was only a one time survey, people said they had not always used substances while working, and this survey was conducted when many people were working remotely. 
• There has been an increase in general for substance abuse, and people are generally consuming more alcohol and marijuana since the pandemic began.
• There are many people who engage in substance abuse until it becomes a major problem for themselves, and that insight may not come until someone else notices they are not doing as well.
• It is important that some people recognize remote worker substance use behaviors before returning to in-person work, and that those people seek treatment if necessary.
  • If people are not getting well from mental health issues or substance use conditions, there is likely an underlying issue that keeps them from being stuck, and treatment can help identify strengths to help with their recovery. 

Demographic Data

• Based on the survey, the rates for people who are increasing their remote worker substance use has increased across the board, regardless of age,gender, and geographic location.
  • There was a slight uptick for older men and younger men, however, it was not necessarily statistically significant

Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal Background

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery - MBBS from Bharati Vidyapeeth University Medical College
• Fellowship, Integrative Medicine from the Arizona College of Integrative Medicine
• Dr. Chhatwal served under a variety of titles with a variety of healthcare facilities in Arizona, including Banner Health and the University of Arizona College of Medicine
• She worked as an ECP Representative and, ultimately, as ECP Chair for the American Psychiatric Association
• She is currently the Chief Medical Officer for Sierra Tucson, and also serves as the President of the Arizona Psychiatric Society

Contact

• Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal on LinkedIn 
• Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal email: Jasleen.Chhatwal@sierratucson.com 

SEGMENT 2: Chris Kelly and “Reasonable Suspicion”

How Can Substance Abuse Impact a Company?

• Even remote worker substance abuse can have an impact on an employee and their performance through lack of productivity, absenteeism, and ultimately, turnover and these can end up having an impact on the company’s bottom line
• Education is one of the most important things that can prevent substance use in the workplace before it happens. This includes talking about the company’s policy, the effects of drugs, and clearly laying out the procedures involving drug testing and the subsequent actions.

Legality of Remote Work Procedures

• While companies can implement procedures prohibiting employees from engaging in remote worker substance use, this can cause problems from a legal standpoint. 
  • Performing work regardless of location, should not have an impact on employee procedures and policies, and the consequences should also be the same
• Remote employees can be tested for drugs, as long as this is spelled out within the company’s policy, and being mindful of the local legislation. 
  • Conducting random testing, using a verified, third-party testing facilitator, and a clear methodology behind the testing are also important to keeping both the employee and the company in check. 
  • Having a clear testing procedure can also be a deterrent for substance use in the workplace. 

Reasonable Suspicion

• Productivity and presence is important, and monitoring the productivity of an employee can note when an employee needs help.
• It is also within the right of a company to conduct a drug test if the company suspects they are using substances and it goes against company policy. 
• Reasonable suspicion is more than just saying “I think..” but also noting changes in behavior and developing proper documentation, and dealing with the results based on the company’s HR policy. 
• If a leader has reasonable suspicion that an employee is having remote worker substance use issues, the employee can observe, document, test, and report the results of the test to take action based on the company policy. Additionally, if the test is negative, and this is a different problem, it is also important to find the root of the problem.

Chris Kelly Background

• Attended Southern Ohio Business College
• Ms. Kelly began her career as a Driver with Quality Contract Carriers, eventually serving as Director of Fleet Recruiting for Celadon Trucking and Transportation Safety Consultant for Wolf Technical Services, Inc.
• She is currently a Certified Director of Safety (CDS) with the North American Transportation Management Institute
• Ms. Kelly is the CEO/President of Kelmar Safety, Inc.

Contact

• Chris Kelly on LinkedIn 
• Chris Kelly email: Chris.Kelly@kelmarsafety.com