Managing legal and illegal drugs in the workplace: Is medication affecting your team’s performance?

Use and misuse of both illegal substances and prescription medication should be a concern for every UK employer. According to the ONS, almost 9% of the population reported using illegal substances in the year ending March 2024. The TUC estimates that as many as 1.5 million people are addicted to prescription and over-the-counter drugs. While most companies have clear policies on illegal drug use, the impact of legal medications on workplace performance is often overlooked. However, both legal and illegal substances can significantly influence cognitive function, decision-making and overall team dynamics. 

This blog explores the effects of drug use in the workplace, how to manage associated risks, and considers strategies for maintaining a safe and effective work environment.

The impact of legal medications on workplace performance

Many employees rely on prescription drugs to manage chronic conditions, mental health issues, or temporary ailments. While these medications can improve quality of life, they may have side effects that affect workplace performance, and are sometimes misused.

Common prescription medications that can cause issues include:

1.      Opioids and painkillers: Commonly prescribed for pain management, opioids like codeine and morphine can cause drowsiness, confusion and impaired coordination, increasing the risk of workplace accidents.

2.      Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications: While these drugs can help employees manage mental health conditions, they may also cause fatigue, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating.

3.      Stimulants (for example ADHD medications): Medications like Elvanse or Ritalin can enhance focus and attention but may lead to anxiety, irritability, or restlessness if misused.

4.      Sedatives and sleep aids: Used for treating insomnia and anxiety, medications like diazepam or benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness, reducing alertness and reaction time at work.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are widely used for common health issues like colds, allergies and pain relief. While they are easily accessible, their side effects can still impact performance.

Common OTC medications that can cause issues include: 

1.      Antihistamines: Used to treat allergies, some versions can cause drowsiness and slow reaction times.

2.      Cold and flu medications: Many contain ingredients that can cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting focus and productivity, and increasing the risk of accidents.

3.      Pain relievers: While non-drowsy pain relievers like ibuprofen are generally safe, excessive use of certain medications like paracetamol can cause fatigue or liver issues if misused.

The risks of illegal drug use in the workplace

Illegal drug use poses significant risks to workplace safety, productivity and team morale. Drug testing is a useful (and often mandatory) tool, with a urine or saliva sample most commonly used to screen a panel of 6, 9 or 10 of the most prevalent drugs. The most frequently detected illegal drugs in UK workplace drug testing are:  

1.      Cannabis: Although often considered a low harm drug, cannabis can impair cognitive function, motor skills and memory, increasing the likelihood of errors and accidents.

2.      Cocaine and amphetamines: These stimulants can temporarily enhance energy and focus, but often lead to erratic behaviour, paranoia and an increased risk of workplace conflicts.

3.      Heroin and other opioids: Highly addictive and impairing, these drugs can cause severe drowsiness and reduced coordination, leading to potentially dangerous workplace incidents.

Legal and ethical considerations

Employers must navigate a complex landscape when addressing drug use in the workplace. Key considerations include:

1.      Duty of care: Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, every employer has a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees and develop a health and safety policy.

2.      Workplace drug policies: It’s imperative to clearly define rules regarding drug use, including prescription medication disclosure, drug testing policies, and consequences for violations.

3.      Privacy and medical confidentiality: While employers can enforce drug-free workplace policies, they must also respect employees' privacy and medical rights under laws like the Equality Act 2010, Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR.

Strategies for managing drug use in the workplace

Implementing a clear drug policy

A well-defined drug policy helps establish expectations and ensure compliance. Your policy should present a clear distinction between legal and illegal substances, and provide guidelines for reporting medication use that may affect performance. It should also clearly outline your organisation’s procedures for drug testing and consequences for policy violations. You should consider offering information on support programmes for employees struggling with substance abuse.

Educating employees on the impact of drug use

Regular training sessions can raise awareness about the effects of legal and illegal drugs on workplace safety and productivity. Employees should understand how their medication choices might affect their ability to perform job duties effectively, and be made aware of possible alternatives. Express Medicals offers a 24-hour medication advice line, where employers can get information and ask for advice on the effects and potential impacts of individual or combinations of prescription drugs. This allows employers to be confident that any declared medication will not jeopardise workplace safety.

Encouraging open communication

Creating a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their medical needs without fear of stigma or retaliation can help address concerns before they become issues. Encourage employees to inform the HR department or their direct manager if a prescribed medication affects their job performance, and ensure training is in place to help managers offer appropriate support. 

Providing employee assistance programmes (EAPs)

EAPs offer confidential counselling and support for employees dealing with substance use disorders, as well as other issues. Programmes like these can help employees access treatment while maintaining job security.

Enforcing workplace drug testing

For industries with high safety risks - such as rail, transportation, construction, or utilities - drug testing may be necessary or compulsory. However, testing policies should be legally compliant and balanced to avoid discrimination. Consider fully randomised testing to avoid bias.

Conclusion

Managing the use of both legal and illegal drugs in the workplace is crucial for maintaining a safe, productive and ethical work environment. Employers must implement clear policies, educate employees on potential risks, and foster a supportive culture that encourages responsible medication use. By taking proactive steps, organisations can protect both employee wellbeing and overall business performance.