START OF NATIONAL DRUG FREE WORK WEEK

The National Drug Free Work Week starts October 19, 2009.  The purpose of the National Drug Free Work Week is to highlight that being drug free is key to workplace safety and health and to encourage workers with alcohol and drug problems to seek help. 

PURPOSE OF NATIONAL DRUG FREE WORK WEEK

The National Drug Free Work Week is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor in coordination with members of its Drug-Free Workplace Alliance. This cooperative program, which represents both employer/contractor associations and labor unions, aims to improve safety and health through drug-free workplace programs. It focuses on the construction industry because research indicates that it has higher than average rates of worker alcohol and drug abuse-a serious concern given that it also is among the industries with the highest rates of workplace accidents and injuries. But because drug-free workplace programs benefit all workplaces, employers and employees in all industries, not just construction, are encouraged to take part in Drug Free Work Week.

WHAT REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS CAN DO

Real estate professionals often face the same problems as other industries when it comes to substance abuse related issues.  In other professions such as attorneys, there are often employee assistance type programs available from state and local associations or even individual firms.  However, real estate agents often do not have access to employee assistance type programs. 

Here are a few ideas from the Drug-Free Work Alliance:

*  Implement a Drug-Free Workplace Program - Develop a Drug-Free Workplace Program at the association or brokerage levels.  For more information on starting a Drug-Free Workplace Program, visit www.dol.gov/workingpartners. This website offers detailed guidance on how to develop a Drug-Free Workplace Program starting with a written policy.

* Promote your Drug-Free Workplace Program - If your association or brokerage already has a Drug-Free Workplace Program or employee assistance type program promote the programs by distributing a copy of your drug-free workplace policy to all real estate agents and brokerage employees.

* Train Managers - As part of the Drug Free Work Week, associations or brokerages can provide training to team leaders and sales managers to identify and deal with real estate professionals who have performance problems that may be related to alcohol and drug use, including clearly identifying where real estate professionals should be referred to for assistance.  

* Educate Real Estate Professionals - As a part of the Drug Free Work Week, associations or brokerage might consider holding seminars on time management, stress management, financial planning and substance abuse.

* Develop or Publicize Employee Assistance Progrmas - If your association or brokerage has an employee assistance type program, remind real estate professionals about these programs.  Employee assistance programs often offer free or low cost services to assist employees to resolve personal and workplace problems, including alcohol and drug abuse. If your association or brokerage doesn't offer an employee assistance type program, consider developing such a program even if it only consists of educational programs, self-assessment materials, and lists of local treatment programs and other resources. 

* Encourage the Use of Self-Assessement Programs - Encourage real estate professionals to perform private self-assessments such as confidential, self-administered online screening tools available at www.AlcoholScreening.org.

* Compile a List of Local Resources - Whether or not your association or brokerage has an employee assistance type programs, develop a list of local resources.  To locate resources in your community, visit www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov or phone 1-800-662-HELP. Also, self-help programs such as the 12-step programs of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon are free and available nationwide. 

* Review Health Insurance Plans - If your association or brokerage offers a group health plan or provides referrals to health insurance providers, suggest insurance companies and policies that provide coverage for substance abuse assessment and treatment.