In a debut drug-testing of over 5,000 employees from 71 organisations across India, background verification (BGV) firm OnGrid found 7.3 percent of employees were exposed to drugs.
The testing activity, conducted for over two years, also unveiled that there is a higher prevalence of Cannabinoid and Amphetamine use among employees with the information technology (IT) sector leading the charts. Other major sectors on the list were Healthcare, IT, Consulting and Manufacturing.
“There is a noticeable pattern of employees using both Cannabinoids and Amphetamines together. The key point is that when these substances are used together, the stimulating effects of Amphetamines are lessened,” Vineet Bansal, co-founder and COO of OnGrid, told Moneycontrol.
The drug testing was part of the initiative of OnGrid’s clients where they approached the BGV firm based on “suspicion” that a few employees were using drugs. In other cases, OnGrid suggested its clients conduct drug testing.
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The drug test process begins with obtaining candidate consent and gathering essential details such as full name, contact number, date of birth, and full address. These details are then communicated to the vendor, who will arrange sample collections from office camps. Samples are tested in the labs before sharing reports with OnGrid.
However, if the reports are found positive, the actions taken by employers are not known.
“This is something that isn’t under our control. We only provide the reports, it's completely dependent on the clients,” Bansal said, adding that if employees are found guilty of drug tests then it will “definitely impact the work culture, safety concerns” while impacting the reputation of the company.
The practice of drug testing is not without contention, raising questions about safety, privacy, and employee rights. From ensuring a safe work environment to addressing legal concerns, the debate remains active among employers and employees.
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According to a 37-year-old HR Manager of a consulting company in Mumbai, drug testing is a crucial component of the company’s safety protocols.
“We prioritise the well-being of our employees and clients, and a drug-free workplace is essential to maintaining that,” she said.
However, opinions vary on the necessity and fairness of drug testing. "While safety is important, employees should also feel their privacy is respected," said the 25-year-old software developer. "Random drug testing can create a sense of distrust and invade personal privacy,” he added.
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