Remember that there are employee assistance programs out there to assist our
personell  (people) with difficulties that they may face - including
substance abuse. And, substance abuse can and does include illegal drugs, but
it also includes alcohol, prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, food,
and - you name it. All these things  could affect your staff person's job
performance, personal safety and health as it relates to the job,  and public
contact - which is what supervisors have to focus on.

Ask yourself - is it better to "salvage" a really talented and trained
employee from substance abuse so that they can be healthy and productive
individuals again? or, do you just fire them?

Drug testing may or may not provide any assistance in this. However, the
harder part of really knowing your staff and working with them close enough
to note when they're off their game - to affecting their job and that of
those around them - is needed with or without drug testing. Be ready to refer
to help and incorporate staff training from assistance organizations into
your yearly offerings.

After all - museums are not just about stuff. We're about people, too.


K. Boardman

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