New Jersey AG Urges Focus on Workplace AddictionMarch 3, 2004
Research Summary
New Jersey Attorney General Peter Harvey is urging companies to enhance their tools for identifying alcohol and other drug misuse in the workplace and provide more comprehensive employee-assistance programs, the Newark Star-Ledger reported Feb. 27.Harvey's plea was in response to a recent Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey report that found that company officials believe workplace drug use is a problem statewide, but not a problem at their company.
Harvey said that workplace drug misuse lowers productivity and contributes to increased absenteeism, accidents, and employee conflicts.
The report found that 38 percent of the companies surveyed would fire employees who are found using drugs on the job. But Harvey said businesses should do more to help addicted employees get treatment.
"Termination without treatment isn't the answer," Harvey said. "It's only making the problem worse, pushing people into a downward spiral."
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