Substance Use and Its Impact: A Guide for Supervisors

Substance Use and Its Impact: A Guide for Supervisors

Submitted by the USPS Employee Assistance Program

As a leader, you are responsible for ensuring a safe, productive and supportive environment for your team. One of the most critical areas to address is substance use.

Substance use disorders can affect employee performance, safety and overall workplace morale. By understanding the signs of substance misuse, implementing effective policies and offering support to employees, postal supervisors can help maintain a healthy, efficient work environment.

Understanding Substance Use and Its Impact

Substance use encompasses the use of legal and illegal substances, such as alcohol, prescription medications or illicit drugs that may impair an employee’s ability to perform their job duties safely and effectively. Substance use can manifest in various ways, from occasional misuse to addiction.

The effects on workplace safety and performance can be severe, especially in roles that require attention to detail, time-sensitive tasks and physical coordination. Key effects of substance use in the workplace include:

1. Impaired decision-making and cognitive function. Substance misuse can affect an individual’s judgment, memory and ability to make sound decisions, all of which are essential for postal employees who need to follow delivery instructions and safety protocols.

2. Decreased productivity. Employees dealing with substance misuse may experience fatigue, lack of focus or absenteeism, leading to decreased productivity.

3. Increased risk of accidents. Substance use, especially alcohol and drugs, impairs coordination and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries on the job.

4. Strained workplace relationships. The social and emotional impacts of substance use can lead to conflict with coworkers, which could erode team dynamics and morale.

Signs of Substance Misuse in Employees

Recognizing signs of substance use or misuse early can prevent further issues in the workplace. Managers should be alert to the following:

  • Physical signs: Bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, excessive sweating, poor hygiene or unusual body odors.
  • Behavioral changes: Increased absenteeism, tardiness, unexplained disappearances during work hours or erratic behavior.
  • Work performance: Declining quality of work, missed deadlines, mistakes or an inability to focus.
  • Mood swings: Unexplained irritability, aggression or periods of extreme euphoria followed by depression or anxiety.
  • Health issues: Frequent illness es, unexplained injuries or sudden weight loss/gain.

Supporting Employees with Substance Use Disorders

As a Postal Service manager, it is important to balance enforcement with empathy. Employees struggling with substance use disorders often need guidance and support. Offering resources and creating a culture of care can help employees find the assistance they need and potentially return to full health and productivity. Steps for offering support include:

1. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer confidential support for employees dealing with substance misuse. Managers should ensure that employees know about these resources and how to access them.

2. Open communication fosters an environment of trust where employees feel comfortable discussing issues like substance misuse. Encourage employees to reach out for help before their problems impact their job performance.

Education and Awareness

Managers should be proactive in educating themselves and their teams about substance use and its impacts. Regular training can help reduce stigma, raise awareness of the signs of substance misuse and inform employees about available resources. Key training elements include:

  • Substance misuse awareness. Help employees recognize the risks of misuse, the effects on their health and safety and the resources available for help.
  • Stress management and well ness. Encourage employees to adopt healthy coping mechanisms, such as stress management techniques and wellness practices, which can reduce the likelihood of substance misuse.
  • Dealing with a substance-impacted employee. Equip managers with strategies for addressing substance misuse in a nonconfrontational and supportive manner. This includes how to approach an employee when you have concerns, how to talk about substance misuse and how to offer assistance.

Managing substance use in the workplace is a critical responsibility for Postal Service managers. With the right combination of clear policies, early intervention, support and education, managers can foster a safe and productive environment where employees are empowered to seek help when needed. By prioritizing awareness and support, postal supervisors not only ensure workplace safety, but also contribute to the wellbeing of their teams, creating a healthier and more resilient workforce.

For more information and guidance, reach out to the EAP at 800-327-4968 (800-EAP-4YOU); TTY: 877-492-7341. We are here to support you in your efforts to support others.