The Effects of Marijuana Use in the Workplace
With the legalization of marijuana in several US states, many managers and employees wonder how the changes could affect their place of business. While state laws protect those who choose to smoke recreationally, there are consequences for those who do so on the job. It is the legal obligation of business owners to protect their employees, and safety is often their biggest concern.
Decreased Productivity
Using marijuana while on the job has been proven to reduce an employee's productivity. Those who smoke the drug may end up with short-term memory issues, decreased concentration and the inability to complete complex tasks. These issues could cause employees to distract one another, making it difficult for anyone to get their jobs done.
Increased Risk of Injury
The use of marijuana can also lead to increased instances of injury while on the job. Reaction times may be decreased and alertness can be reduced, leading to dangerous situations at work. Even if an employee does not smoke while working, the effects can last up to six hours, leaving him or her impaired later in the day.
Business owners and managers have to carefully consider how to handle the policy changes that must result from the changes to laws regarding marijuana in some states. It is their duty to respect the rights of their employees, but they must also consider safety and production. Take a look at the following infographic created by frankcrum for more information about the issue.
Infographic by: frankcrum