Reasons for Adopting and Not Adopting: Employee Assistance and Drug Testing Programs in Canada

Abstract

Canadian employers with 100 or more employees were surveyed about their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and drug testing program (DTP) implementation. The results indicate that EAP adoption relates to employee well-being, increased employee morale, increasing productivity, and reducing absenteeism. EAPs were not adopted to conform to industry expectations or due to a negotiated contract with the union. Implementing a DTP was to reduce work accidents and to deter drug use. Not implementing a DTP was based upon the perception that there was no need, presumably due to low workplace prevalence of drug use and or job accidents.

KEYWORDS:

• Canada
• drug testing programs
• employee assistance programs
• implementation

Notes

Note. 1 = very unimportant, 5 = very important.

Note. EAP = employee assistance program; DTP = drug-testing program.

1 = very unimportant, 5 = very important.