This year, our State of the Industry survey asked if drug and alcohol abuse is a problem in the service field. We found that 31 percent of industry dealers consider it a background concern but not a pressing issue. While some employers have a zero-tolerance drug policy, others do not implement regulations on recreational drug use if it does not affect job performance. Should there be a drug policy at the workplace? Industry pros share their insights:
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THE QUESTION:
Paige Pruett-Wichern
Pruett's Pool and Spa | West Plains, Mo.
"What are your drug policies at work?"
THE ANSWERS:
Leslie Barker
Pool & Spa World | Kingsport, Tenn.
"We run a drug-free workplace. We test before hiring and dismiss if found using. Drugs are a huge issue and we do all we can to not staff users."
Ron Dusky
Dolphin Pools | Carpinteria, Calif.
"I tell them to leave it at home or they are fired. Each employee should also have their own, specific truck. That narrows things down."
Bob Colucci
Finger Lakes Pools & Spas | Canandaigua, N.Y.
"Because marijuana is still illegal in New York, we terminate for any drug use."
Terry Wilkins
W&W Pool & Spas | Victorville, Calif.
"It's bad in the pool service field. We do a background check and provide any guidance a team member needs."
Anonymous
"We have a zero-tolerance policy while on the job, and [employees] must be clean coming in.
We had one of our juniors show up at a jobsite to help a senior tech. When the senior tech went into his truck, he smelled weed. They finished the job, went back to the shop midday and sent him packing."
Lewis Hines
Aquatrends Commercial Pool
Services | Orange, Calif.
"Legalized marijuana makes use commonplace. There is a 'no big deal' attitude from applicants and workers."
