Hi All,

asking as it seems that it hasn't been asked. Is it customary that a potential employee take a drug test during the hiring process? I'm asking as in the US it is generally accepted that many, if not all, test new hires.

Thanks.

Definitely don't buy this. What field to you work in?

Clinical trials? As a patient.

Not customary in Switzerland as far as I know. If you work in the Pharma industry however, they might perform blood/urine/stool tests to screen for any infections.

I think it's mandatory for all (US) federal jobs. Not sure about others, but I seem to recall having to take one before working for a large semiconductor manufacturing corporation. It was 10 years ago, so I can't completely recall if I had to...must've been all the drugs.

I could see for some federal jobs and other fields where it is a safety issue, but I still wouldn't believe that "many if not all" employers have drug screening for new hires.

Most state jobs in the US, and large employers require it. I've never had one tho..was hired before it was instituted...maybe around 2000. Don't know anyone here tho who's had it.

Thanks for the feedback about CH.

In the US it is definitely required for a high percentage of general workers through management regardless of their jobs and for an even higher percentage of workers that work with machinery and other types of equipment. I for example have taken the test with my past three employers.

I think that the companies do it as it may be required for their insurances and employee benefits, but they also promote it to the local community stating that they are a "drug free workplace".

I believe that if the company does business with the US gov then they also need to do the screening due to the "Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988".

It's not only a "safety" issue. It's an integrity issue.

You mean "integrity" ?

Got me thinking this one. I guess it really depends on the kind of drugs the potential employer would like you test.

OK, If I really had to I'd probably test some cannabis, weed, but definitely decline anything heavier like heroin or crack cocain. You never know where that may lead you.

Sorry but I would walk away from any company requesting this procedure.
How dare they question me like this.

I remember a relative of mine in UK having to do this (10 May 2002) as was doing a summer work trial or the like in the Pharma Industry.

Have had it written into my terms of condition for employment in UK and possible they do the same in Switzerland for certains industries

In New Orleans there are so many junkies I remember a lot of bar and restaurant jobs in the French Quarter where I worked did at times do drug testing.

I think it is kind of like asking for the credit record here- as mentioned a few posts up, it becomes an integrity issue. I would have no problem taking a drug test.

Weird that it would be a Swiss company. If they tested for pot though, half the country would have it in their bloodstream due to their neighbors toking it up. I'm dreading the balcony this summer, I have the feeling my neighbors are Cheech and Chong.

(That said, but it is another story for another thread, unemployed people have more credit problems because they have NO MONEY so I also don't think it is fair to ask for a Betreibungsauszug unless the person is handling money)

No, I would not accept this.

Or rather, I would, then after I passed I'd tell them to f... off!

(but I would waste as much of their time as possible)

Tom

most companies in the US have tested for at least the last 20 years. typically just a piss test, though my current employer took full hair and blood samples. in fact, maybe I should blame them for my male-pattern baldness.



that said, I do not believe we test new hires here in Europe. not because we don't want to, but most European countries (Switzerland included though not to the same extent as Germany or the Netherlands) are very employee-friendly and the data privacy issues on this side of the pond are quite tricky.

Corporation I used to work for in the US did, but it was as much about safety as integrity since you really could get hurt badly if you weren't respectful about the machines.

(Chipped diamond grinding wheel against bare skin is ugly ugly ugly)

What's that for sportsmen competition test or bodybuilding contestants drug-free test! All corporate environment employees are on coffeine and abuse redbull AFAIK

I think part of it - and what makes it an integrity thing in the US is that drugs are against the law and most employers have policies against alcohol usage while on company time. So, if you fail drug test, you're shown to be view laws (and company regulations) as something that perhaps doesn't apply to you (at best).

Who wants to work with someone who "cherry picks" what laws and policies to follow?

S'ok, it's rhetorical - I know my ideals about my work environment reveal my very military upbringing.

Having worked all over the U.S., I can say that I've never been asked to take a drug test in California, which is a good thing. I think that drug testing is a violation of my personal sovereignty, and I would refuse to work for any company here that requested it. Fortunately, in my 15 years in IT no one has requested it.

This is not because I take drugs, it is because the insinuation that I do is insulting, and I wouldn't want to support a company that engages in such an invasion of privacy - nobody is getting my bodily fluids unless it is for medical reasons or I'm dating you.

I think that what people do off the clock as long as they don't hurt anyone is their own business, and I definitely think the war on drugs in the U.S. is worse than the drugs themselves. I think that "drug free workplace testing" is an extension of the war on drugs which is another reason I don't support it. I value privacy over any so-called "integrity", and if co-workers use drugs on their off time and still are able to do a great job on the clock I think there is no problem.

William S. Burroughs managed to use heroin and other opioids his entire life. Sigmund Freud was a daily habitual cocaine user in the days where it was still legal with no ill effects. Those and countless others managed to be successful and still have a "drug habit." I think it is WAY past time that the world just legalize, regulate, and tax drugs already and get rid of the stupid and childish social stigmas as well -- we'll all be better off for it.

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