Creating a culture that works: tackling addiction in the workplace
Isabel Lloyd
on Aug 13, 2025
Workplace culture matters more than ever. While not every toxic workplace involves drugs or alcohol, substance misuse can exacerbate negative behaviour and harm both people and businesses. Employees who misuse drugs or alcohol are more likely to experience poor health, absenteeism, reduced productivity, and higher risks of accidents — all of which affect the bottom line.
Leading by example
A positive culture starts with leadership. Managers and business leaders who demonstrate fairness, respect, and a zero-tolerance approach to harmful behaviour help set the tone for the entire organisation.
Healthy workplaces benefit everyone. Hostile or aggressive environments increase stress and anxiety, while positive environments encourage engagement, productivity, and employee retention. Research even shows that many employees prioritise workplace culture over salary and perks when looking for a new job.
Setting clear foundations
An effective way to encourage a positive culture is through a Substance and Alcohol Misuse Policy. This sets out expectations around drug and alcohol use, outlines unacceptable behaviour, and explains the consequences if the rules are broken.
As part of this policy, organisations may choose to implement a drug and alcohol testing programme. This isn’t about testing every employee, but it can help identify issues early, ensure fairness, and provide support where it’s needed. Testing forms part of a wider framework to maintain safety, protect staff, and reinforce positive workplace behaviour.
The hidden cost of inaction
Without a policy or testing in place, substance misuse can remain hidden until it’s too late — quietly driving up costs through absenteeism, errors, and higher insurance premiums. Regular substance testing isn’t just about compliance; it’s a strategic investment that protects your people, operations, and overall business.
Some key figures highlight the scale of the issue:
71% of employers report being concerned about addiction-related issues in the workplace.
310,000 adults last year were in contact with drug and alcohol treatment services — the highest number since 2009.
49.5% of employers have noticed an increase in addiction-related issues among their workforce in the past year alone.
A positive policy isn’t just about rules. Offering help and support is essential. Wellness programmes, counselling, treatment options, and education give employees a pathway to address issues safely and proactively. Balancing accountability with support fosters trust and creates a culture where employees can perform at their best, knowing they’re protected and valued.
The takeaway
Substance misuse may not always cause a toxic workplace, but it can intensify negative behaviours and harm both people and business. By implementing a clear policy, considering testing programmes, and providing support, organisations can build a culture they’re proud of — one that protects employees, encourages responsible behaviour, and safeguards the business.
Isabel is the Marketing Executive at Cansford Laboratories, with a passion for creating clear, engaging communications that showcase the lab’s expertise. She works behind the scenes to make sure our services reach the right people and that every message reflects our commitment to reliability and trust.
