Put Your Drug-Free Workplace Program Into Practice During National Drug-Free Work

October 12-16, 2026

A drug-free workplace policy should be something employees understand and supervisors know how to use. National Drug-Free Work Week, October 12–16, 2026, gives employers an opportunity to bring their programs into focus. The observance promotes safe, healthy workplaces and encourages people experiencing substance use problems to seek help.

Your organization’s activities do not have to be expensive or time-consuming. A brief staff discussion, a supervisor refresher, or a reminder about available assistance can help connect your written policy to everyday workplace decisions.

Consider using each day of the week to reinforce a different part of your program.

Monday, October 12: Reintroduce your policy.

Start the week with a message from leadership explaining why your drug-free workplace program matters: protecting employees, supporting safe decisions, and setting clear expectations.

Tell employees where they can find the current policy and whom to contact with questions. Highlight expectations that may need clarification, such as reporting fit for duty, on-call responsibilities, and alcohol use at company events. Invite questions privately so employees can seek clarification without sharing personal information in front of coworkers.

Tuesday, October 13: Make employee education practical.

Use a short meeting, toolbox talk, or email to connect your program to situations employees may encounter. Topics might include recognizing a safety concern, following the policy’s reporting procedures, or addressing medication side effects that could affect safe job performance.

Keep the discussion focused on safe work practices and the appropriate reporting channel. Employees should not be asked to disclose medications, diagnoses, or treatment histories during a group activity.

Wednesday, October 14: Refresh supervisor readiness.

Set aside time for supervisors to review how they should respond when a concern arises. Walk through a fictional scenario and ask:

• What specific behavior or performance concern should be documented?

• Who should the supervisor contact?

• What immediate steps does the policy provide to protect safety?

• How should testing, transportation, and follow-up be handled under the established procedure?

Emphasize objective observations, timely documentation, and consistent use of your policy. Supervisors should address workplace behavior and safety concerns without attempting to diagnose an employee.

Thursday, October 15: Highlight assistance and support.

Remind employees how to access your Employee Assistance Program or other available resources. Provide current contact information and explain how employees can learn about services, eligibility, and confidentiality.

Review what your policy says about voluntarily requesting help, including any conditions or limits. Avoid making promises about confidentiality or protection from corrective action that your program does not provide.

Use respectful language that encourages employees to ask for assistance while reinforcing expectations for safe job performance.

Friday, October 16: Identify improvements and assign follow-up.

Close the week by gathering questions and reviewing what needs attention. Are employees able to find the policy? Do supervisors have the correct forms and contacts? Are assistance resources current? Are responsibilities clearly assigned?

Choose a few concrete improvements, identify who will complete them, and set deadlines. Share general answers with employees while keeping individual situations private.

Keep the message active throughout the year.

National Drug-Free Work Week can be a starting point for ongoing conversations. Continue reinforcing your program through onboarding, periodic employee education, supervisor training, and timely policy reminders. Include employees on every shift and those working remotely so everyone receives the same information.

The goal is to help employees understand expectations, equip supervisors to respond appropriately, and make assistance easier to find.

As you recognize National Drug-Free Work Week, Working Partners® is available to answer questions and help you reinforce your existing drug-free workplace program. If you need guidance, contact us at 614-337-8200.