Workplace Employee And Supervisor Training

Summary

Introducing a drug-free workplace program to employees and informing them about alcohol and other drug- related issues can help employers create safe, cost-effective and healthy workplaces. Because employees spend a lot of time at work, coworkers and supervisors may have the opportunity to notice a developing drug misuse problem. Employers can use their influence to motivate employees to get help for a drug related problem. The Partnership for a Healthy Iowa’s Creating a Drug-Free Workplace Education Program includes two training modules, one for general employees and one for supervisors. People in supervisory positions are often closest to employees; therefore, they are an important support group for implementing policy and increasing employee awareness of alcohol and other drugs. To do this they will need the right knowledge and skills.

The Department requires The Iowa Creating a Drug-Free Workplace Education Program Supervisor Training Modules for supervisor training to be implemented as part of strengthening a drug-free workplace policy. The module addresses the leadership role supervisors have in supporting and implementing drug-free workplace policy and goals. The facilitator guide and participant handouts allow professionals to provide supervisor training. Workplaces may choose to also implement the optional general employee training after supervisor training is completed.

Continued awareness of alcohol and other drugs and understanding of resources and supports are critical to sustaining workplace policy. Continued training allows organizations the opportunity to review policy components and expectations and make changes to policy as needed. This increases the probability that policy change will result in desired outcomes.

All training materials may be found on the Partnership for a Healthy Iowa’s Workplace Health website.

Core Components
Dosage/Frequency

• At least 50% of organizations with active ATOD workplace policies should be engaged in the strategy with at least 50% of those organizations implementing workplace supervisory training. A minimum of 75% of all supervisors and organizational leadership per organization will be trained by the end of the project.

Required Key Steps

• All workplace training must be implemented with organizations who have formally written, signed policy that meets the criteria referenced in the Workplace Policy environmental strategy found in this guide.
• All supervisors play an important leadership role in creating a drug-free workplace; therefore, it is required that supervisors receive training under this strategy. Whenever practical, supervisors should be trained before their employees so the supervisors already know what their employees will be taught.
• All employees are part of creating a drug-free workplace – from the highest to the lowest level, full- and part-time, etc. Therefore, all employees should receive educational information and attend educational sessions.

Implementation Resources

Partnership for a Healthy Iowa’s Creating a Drug-Free Workplace Education Program

References

Cook, R., & Schlenger, W. E. (2002). Prevention of substance abuse in the workplace: A review of research on the delivery of services. The Journal of Primary Prevention, 23(1), 115-142.
https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016543300433
Wilson, R. C. (2021). The efficacy of drug-free workplace programs within small, medium, and large business organizations (Publication No. 492). [Doctoral dissertation, St. John Fisher
College]. Fisher Digital Publications. https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/education_etd/492/