{"id":6805,"date":"2025-10-13T17:38:15","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T12:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/?p=6805"},"modified":"2025-10-13T17:38:15","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T12:08:15","slug":"what-actions-should-employers-take-if-a-worker-is-high-at-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/2025\/10\/13\/what-actions-should-employers-take-if-a-worker-is-high-at-work\/","title":{"rendered":"What Actions Should Employers Take if a Worker Is High at Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The office is a place where employees from different departments come together with a shared goal: driving the company forward. Each department functions like a gear in a well-oiled engine, contributing to the company\u2019s ability to provide services, sell products, and operate efficiently. The performance of this \u201cengine\u201d depends on a combination of factors, including a positive working environment and the guidance of top management. When these factors align, employees feel motivated, productive, and valued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, certain behaviors can disrupt this balance. One significant issue is substance abuse at work, such as employees coming to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not only affects the individual\u2019s performance but can also impact their team and the broader office environment. Employees who are high may engage in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/2024\/08\/21\/spotting-workplace-harassment-what-counts-as-bad-behavior\/\">disruptive behavior<\/a>, make poor decisions, or create conflicts, all of which can harm other employees and lower overall morale. Such behavior sets a dangerous precedent and must be addressed promptly and effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"color:#0E1851;margin-top:20px;font-size:28px;font-weight:bold;\">Related Webinars<\/div><div style=\"width:100%;height:auto;overflow:hidden;overflow-x:auto;margin:20px 0;\"><div style=\"width:calc(3 * 260px);\"><div style=\"width:250px;height:350px;background-color:#D2E0FF;background:url(https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/assets\/images\/wdt-back.png);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;border-radius:10px;margin-right:10px;float:left;text-align:center;padding:25px 10px 0 10px;cursor:pointer;\" onclick=\"location.href='https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/details\/1805\/fmla-gets-tricky?utm_source=cp_blog'\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width:135px;height:135px;border-radius:50%;border:2px solid #2B58B5;padding:3px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/image.php?src=https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/uploads\/img_upload\/be9bd7c0b9625126f985b421036a9339.jpg&w=200&h=200&zc=1&s=1\" alt=\"Speaker\"><div style=\"color:#0E1851;margin-top:5px;font-size:18px;font-weight:bold;line-height:22px;max-height:65px;overflow:hidden;\">When FMLA Gets Tricky: Handling Intermittent Leave Without Missteps <\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><div style=\"margin:10px auto 0 auto;display:inline-block;\"><div style=\"width:20px;float:left;\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" id=\"IconChangeColor\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\"><path d=\"M160 32V64H288V32C288 14.33 302.3 0 320 0C337.7 0 352 14.33 352 32V64H400C426.5 64 448 85.49 448 112V160H0V112C0 85.49 21.49 64 48 64H96V32C96 14.33 110.3 0 128 0C145.7 0 160 14.33 160 32zM0 192H448V464C448 490.5 426.5 512 400 512H48C21.49 512 0 490.5 0 464V192zM64 304C64 312.8 71.16 320 80 320H112C120.8 320 128 312.8 128 304V272C128 263.2 120.8 256 112 256H80C71.16 256 64 263.2 64 272V304zM192 304C192 312.8 199.2 320 208 320H240C248.8 320 256 312.8 256 304V272C256 263.2 248.8 256 240 256H208C199.2 256 192 263.2 192 272V304zM336 256C327.2 256 320 263.2 320 272V304C320 312.8 327.2 320 336 320H368C376.8 320 384 312.8 384 304V272C384 263.2 376.8 256 368 256H336zM64 432C64 440.8 71.16 448 80 448H112C120.8 448 128 440.8 128 432V400C128 391.2 120.8 384 112 384H80C71.16 384 64 391.2 64 400V432zM208 384C199.2 384 192 391.2 192 400V432C192 440.8 199.2 448 208 448H240C248.8 448 256 440.8 256 432V400C256 391.2 248.8 384 240 384H208zM320 432C320 440.8 327.2 448 336 448H368C376.8 448 384 440.8 384 432V400C384 391.2 376.8 384 368 384H336C327.2 384 320 391.2 320 400V432z\" id=\"mainIconPathAttribute\" stroke-width=\"1\" stroke=\"#ff0000\" filter=\"url(#shadow)\" fill=\"#FB0351\"><\/path><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"float:left;margin-left:5px;font-size:12px;font-weight:bold;color:#FB0351;\">May 7th 2026 @ 01:00 PM ET<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#2B58B5;margin-top:-10px;\"><strong>Speaker: <\/strong>Melissa Fleischer, Esq<\/div><div style=\"width:120px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;color:#FB0351;border:2px solid #FB0351;border-radius:30px;padding:1px 5px;margin:10px auto;\">Learn More<\/div><\/div><div style=\"width:250px;height:350px;background-color:#D2E0FF;background:url(https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/assets\/images\/wdt-back.png);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;border-radius:10px;margin-right:10px;float:left;text-align:center;padding:25px 10px 0 10px;cursor:pointer;\" onclick=\"location.href='https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/details\/1804\/cost-effective-retention-2026?utm_source=cp_blog'\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width:135px;height:135px;border-radius:50%;border:2px solid #2B58B5;padding:3px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/image.php?src=https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/uploads\/img_upload\/0ed2120e0c6f8f1abad930982b7f9481.jpg&w=200&h=200&zc=1&s=1\" alt=\"Speaker\"><div style=\"color:#0E1851;margin-top:5px;font-size:18px;font-weight:bold;line-height:22px;max-height:65px;overflow:hidden;\">Why Good Employees Quit: Practical, Cost-Effective Retention & Engagement Strategies That Actually Work!<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><div style=\"margin:10px auto 0 auto;display:inline-block;\"><div style=\"width:20px;float:left;\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" id=\"IconChangeColor\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\"><path d=\"M160 32V64H288V32C288 14.33 302.3 0 320 0C337.7 0 352 14.33 352 32V64H400C426.5 64 448 85.49 448 112V160H0V112C0 85.49 21.49 64 48 64H96V32C96 14.33 110.3 0 128 0C145.7 0 160 14.33 160 32zM0 192H448V464C448 490.5 426.5 512 400 512H48C21.49 512 0 490.5 0 464V192zM64 304C64 312.8 71.16 320 80 320H112C120.8 320 128 312.8 128 304V272C128 263.2 120.8 256 112 256H80C71.16 256 64 263.2 64 272V304zM192 304C192 312.8 199.2 320 208 320H240C248.8 320 256 312.8 256 304V272C256 263.2 248.8 256 240 256H208C199.2 256 192 263.2 192 272V304zM336 256C327.2 256 320 263.2 320 272V304C320 312.8 327.2 320 336 320H368C376.8 320 384 312.8 384 304V272C384 263.2 376.8 256 368 256H336zM64 432C64 440.8 71.16 448 80 448H112C120.8 448 128 440.8 128 432V400C128 391.2 120.8 384 112 384H80C71.16 384 64 391.2 64 400V432zM208 384C199.2 384 192 391.2 192 400V432C192 440.8 199.2 448 208 448H240C248.8 448 256 440.8 256 432V400C256 391.2 248.8 384 240 384H208zM320 432C320 440.8 327.2 448 336 448H368C376.8 448 384 440.8 384 432V400C384 391.2 376.8 384 368 384H336C327.2 384 320 391.2 320 400V432z\" id=\"mainIconPathAttribute\" stroke-width=\"1\" stroke=\"#ff0000\" filter=\"url(#shadow)\" fill=\"#FB0351\"><\/path><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"float:left;margin-left:5px;font-size:12px;font-weight:bold;color:#FB0351;\">May 12th 2026 @ 01:00 PM ET<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#2B58B5;margin-top:-10px;\"><strong>Speaker: <\/strong>Marcia Zidle<\/div><div style=\"width:120px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;color:#FB0351;border:2px solid #FB0351;border-radius:30px;padding:1px 5px;margin:10px auto;\">Learn More<\/div><\/div><div style=\"width:250px;height:350px;background-color:#D2E0FF;background:url(https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/assets\/images\/wdt-back.png);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;border-radius:10px;margin-right:10px;float:left;text-align:center;padding:25px 10px 0 10px;cursor:pointer;\" onclick=\"location.href='https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/details\/1737\/payroll-record-keeping?utm_source=cp_blog'\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width:135px;height:135px;border-radius:50%;border:2px solid #2B58B5;padding:3px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/image.php?src=https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/uploads\/img_upload\/1690210566_ddeafec58b7fab473c74.png&w=200&h=200&zc=1&s=1\" alt=\"Speaker\"><div style=\"color:#0E1851;margin-top:5px;font-size:18px;font-weight:bold;line-height:22px;max-height:65px;overflow:hidden;\">Payroll Record Keeping: Who Requires What, for How Long and in What Format<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><div style=\"margin:10px auto 0 auto;display:inline-block;\"><div style=\"width:20px;float:left;\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" id=\"IconChangeColor\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\"><path d=\"M160 32V64H288V32C288 14.33 302.3 0 320 0C337.7 0 352 14.33 352 32V64H400C426.5 64 448 85.49 448 112V160H0V112C0 85.49 21.49 64 48 64H96V32C96 14.33 110.3 0 128 0C145.7 0 160 14.33 160 32zM0 192H448V464C448 490.5 426.5 512 400 512H48C21.49 512 0 490.5 0 464V192zM64 304C64 312.8 71.16 320 80 320H112C120.8 320 128 312.8 128 304V272C128 263.2 120.8 256 112 256H80C71.16 256 64 263.2 64 272V304zM192 304C192 312.8 199.2 320 208 320H240C248.8 320 256 312.8 256 304V272C256 263.2 248.8 256 240 256H208C199.2 256 192 263.2 192 272V304zM336 256C327.2 256 320 263.2 320 272V304C320 312.8 327.2 320 336 320H368C376.8 320 384 312.8 384 304V272C384 263.2 376.8 256 368 256H336zM64 432C64 440.8 71.16 448 80 448H112C120.8 448 128 440.8 128 432V400C128 391.2 120.8 384 112 384H80C71.16 384 64 391.2 64 400V432zM208 384C199.2 384 192 391.2 192 400V432C192 440.8 199.2 448 208 448H240C248.8 448 256 440.8 256 432V400C256 391.2 248.8 384 240 384H208zM320 432C320 440.8 327.2 448 336 448H368C376.8 448 384 440.8 384 432V400C384 391.2 376.8 384 368 384H336C327.2 384 320 391.2 320 400V432z\" id=\"mainIconPathAttribute\" stroke-width=\"1\" stroke=\"#ff0000\" filter=\"url(#shadow)\" fill=\"#FB0351\"><\/path><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"float:left;margin-left:5px;font-size:12px;font-weight:bold;color:#FB0351;\">May 12th 2026 @ 01:00 PM ET<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#2B58B5;margin-top:-10px;\"><strong>Speaker: <\/strong>Vicki M. Lambert, CPP<\/div><div style=\"width:120px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;color:#FB0351;border:2px solid #FB0351;border-radius:30px;padding:1px 5px;margin:10px auto;\">Learn More<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Actions Employers Can Take if a Worker Is High at Work<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When an employer or HR identifies that an employee is high at work, there are several steps they can take to address the situation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Immediate Response:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Remove the employee from the workplace safely:<\/strong> Ensure the individual does not continue working in a state that could be unsafe for themselves or others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ensure safety of others:<\/strong> If the employee operates machinery, drives as part of their job, or handles sensitive tasks, take immediate action to prevent accidents.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Documentation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Record observations:<\/strong> Note any unusual behavior, physical signs, or performance issues observed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gather evidence if necessary:<\/strong> This can include witness statements, video evidence (if workplace policy allows), or work <a href=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/2021\/09\/24\/what-should-the-employee-payroll-records-include\/\">performance records<\/a>.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Private Meeting:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Speak confidentially with the employee:<\/strong> Discuss observed behavior calmly, without making assumptions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Allow explanation:<\/strong> Sometimes personal issues, medications, or other circumstances can mimic intoxication.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Disciplinary Actions:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> Depending on company policy and severity, actions may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Verbal or written warnings:<\/strong> For minor incidents or first-time occurrences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Suspension:<\/strong> Temporary leave from work to address serious issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mandatory counseling or rehabilitation programs:<\/strong> Support for employees struggling with substance abuse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/25\/employee-termination-checklist\/\"><strong>Termination<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> In cases of repeated violations or severe incidents, dismissal may be necessary to maintain workplace safety and integrity.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Referral to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If available, encourage employees to access professional help for substance abuse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offering resources shows the company supports <a href=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/2025\/01\/19\/employee-wellness-programs-what-they-are-and-why-every-business-needs-one\/\">employee well-being<\/a> while maintaining accountability.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Incidents<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Prevention is always better than remediation. Employers can take several steps to reduce the likelihood of employees coming to work high:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Clear Policies:<\/strong> Implement and communicate a comprehensive substance abuse policy outlining prohibited behaviors, consequences, and available support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Education and Training:<\/strong> Conduct workshops or training sessions on the effects of substance abuse and maintaining a safe workplace.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Regular Monitoring:<\/strong> Use performance reviews, random safety checks (if applicable), or wellness check-ins to spot potential issues early.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promote a Positive Work Environment:<\/strong> Stress, dissatisfaction, or toxic work culture can contribute to substance use. Foster support, recognition, and open communication to reduce risk factors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Support Programs:<\/strong> Offer confidential counseling, mental health resources, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/2024\/10\/03\/how-to-design-an-employee-benefits-program\/\">wellness programs<\/a> to help employees manage stress and personal challenges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To gain deeper insights into workplace compliance, employee relations, and HR best practices, explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/industry\/185\/human-resource#\"><strong>Human Resources Webinars<\/strong><\/a> and stay ahead of evolving employment laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Substance abuse in the workplace is a serious issue that can harm employees, teams, and the overall work environment. Employers must act decisively when a worker comes to work high, ensuring safety, documenting incidents, applying appropriate disciplinary measures, and offering support when possible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, preventive strategies, clear policies, education, supportive programs, and a positive work culture, can significantly reduce the chances of recurrence. By addressing incidents thoughtfully and proactively, companies can maintain a safe, productive, and professional workplace for everyone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The office is a place where employees from different departments come together with a shared goal: driving the company forward. Each department functions like a gear in a well-oiled engine,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":6807,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[4,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6805","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hr-blog","category-leadership"],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6805","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6805"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6805\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6806,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6805\/revisions\/6806"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6807"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6805"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6805"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6805"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}