Targeted support for employees
A new approach facilitates access to help for employees who show risky consumption behaviour.
One red line is one too many – when the DrugWipe test is positive
Lionel Barra, founder and managing director of PARAT Conseils, has been supporting French companies in their efforts to prevent addiction since 2014. His innovative approach ensures that companies focus primarily on the health of their employees while complying with legal requirements. Barra’s methodology is based on a collective and multi-disciplinary approach, which is aimed equally at employees, their representatives, managers and union delegates. The method he has developed – known as O.S.S.C.A.R – emphasises transparency, and involves all participants in clearly defined processes with clearly defined goals. All across France, companies from a wide range of industries – from water cycle management to waste recycling and energy management – rely on Barra’s expertise.
To date, more than 7,000 individuals have taken part in training provided by PARAT Conseils. Around 60 former drug users have been successfully counselled. When used in conjunction with the proper supports, DrugWipe is a tool for health prevention rather than a repressive measure. The saliva test acts as a link between corporate strategy and employees.
Effects of the decision by the French supreme court for administrative justice (Conseil d’État) in December 2016
The Conseil d’État, France’s supreme court for administrative justice, determined that employers are required to test employees who work in safety-sensitive positions for drug use by means of saliva tests. This decision has raised awareness of addiction problems which, in the past, tended to be associated with alcohol consumption alone. Regular testing, in conjunction with alternatives to punitive measures, enables improved health management and also highlights the social responsibility of employers. The overarching goal is to guarantee safety in the workplace.
The goal of screening tests is to effect behavioural change. Sometimes, all this takes is for testing to be announced. Or for the test to return a positive result (which doesn’t always come as a surprise) and for the next steps to be handled with sensitivity and tact. Confrontation and punishments should be avoided. Instead, managers should see a positive test result as the starting point for a conversation to clarify the situation. In this context, it is important to voice concerns and offer support. The underlying aim is to understand the background to the employee’s drug use and, based on this, to enter into an open dialogue with them.
If this is done honestly and openly, the conversation can be genuinely constructive and produce solutions. On the other hand, questioning or rejecting the test result or the process is counter-productive. Doing so runs the risk of creating defensiveness or even conflict.
If there is any doubt on the part of the employee involved, they can ask for the test to be repeated immediately. If the test is positive, the employee will need to be collected by someone from their trusted inner circle of family and friends. If a loved one is unable to collect them, a medical professional will provide further assistance. In general, a second laboratory analysis is offered. However, beginning an open dialogue is the most effective way of working together to identify solutions.
A credible partner for dialogue
PARAT Conseils collaborates with people from all over France who have recovered from addiction. All have received intensive training in how to support employees in difficult situations, and have proven to be an invaluable part of the success of the process. The support they provide is based on their own personal experience, which helps build a relationship of trust with those seeking help. This motivates those affected to engage more actively with the therapeutic approach than they would if a more conventional medical or psychological method were applied. In this way, PARAT Conseils acts as a bridge between the employees and the therapeutic approach. It is essential for the approach to be tailored to the individual needs in each case and for this to be done when the person is ready and has a full understanding of what is involved.
First-hand report by Leo, aged 31
I started smoking joints a long time ago, and would sometimes have more than six a day. Then my boss tested me and the result was positive. It wasn’t the first time someone had told me I needed to give up. But this time, I had to make a choice. I like my job and I need the work. My boss really helped me and gave me Lionel’s number. He explained everything to me and told me about his own experiences. It was tough after that – I lost weight and barely slept. Now I have quite good days, but also some bad ones. When that happens, I give Lionel a call. Knowing that I’m not alone makes me more determined to follow through on my decision to change.
The DrugWipe© test detects cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines, methamphetamines and heroin. Ketamine and benzodiazepine detection is also available on request.
Bildquellen:
Securetec AG; AdobeStock 473706693, 408797824
