How do you handle an employee smoking pot on the job?

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Heather	I would not tolerate drugs in the workplace. Regardless of how much you like this employee this is a business matter and he should be fired. He does not need a warning. At will employment means that employees can be terminated for good cause, bad cause or no cause at all. Customers can probably smell the weed and may stop buying coffee at your shop. A druggie is going to use drugs whether you tell him to or not so if you think you can stop him from smoking at work and monitor the situation yourself you are wrong. He should be let go before your business develops a bad reputation. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Steve D	Since you technically don't have a formal policy (unless you have established a policy against illegal actions at work) you institute one and let all your employees that from that day forward illegal activities on the job are now banned and will be enforced through termination. You could also institute a no-drug policy and do random drug testing if you wanted to. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Ftifg Hughes	No need to do anything unless it starts to affect his work. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Libby	You and your friend need to decide on a drug policy. Now. Welcome to workforce management! Since this is a long-term employee who generally does good work and there currently is no written policy, let him off with a warning... but also let him know that there is now a no-tolerance drug policy, and if he's caught again it will result in immediate termination. Put this policy in writing, have EACH of your employees sign a copy, and put the signed copy in each of their employee files. Also make a formal record of the transgression of the pot-smoking employee and note disciplinary measures. You'll need it if you end up having to let him go and he sues for wrongful dismissal. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

life coach	The employee has to go, and right now. This is illegal, if you continue to allow him to work there, any other employee can take you to court for condoning illegal behavior. Do not tolerate this behavior. As far as giving him a warning goes-he could never prove he was unaware this was against the law. He has to go and quickly. I don't even have to tell you what might happen should an undercover cop drop in for coffee. I am kind of surprised two business people would let this slide even a minute. This ain't good for business. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Sacred scriptures	Supervisors Are Responsible For: - Observing and documenting unsatisfactory work performance or behavior - Talking to employees about work problems and what needs to be done about them. In order to do their jobs properly, supervisors must: -Understand the substance abuse policy - Be able to explain the policy to employees - Know when to take action. Supervisors Are NOT Responsible For: - Diagnosing substance abuse problems - Treating substance abuse problems. Supervisors need to know how to look for signs of substance abuse and what to do once they find them. The kinds of information needed by supervisors will vary from one workplace to another. For example, depending on what is available through your company and community, supervisors may be called upon to refer employees to employee assistance programs or to local resources. Keeping your own company's needs in mind, consider some of the following as possible topics to include in your supervisory training program. Being caught with an illegal drug for own use, whether it is (or has been) in your pocket, your bag, your house or car. You can also be charged with this offence if the police find the drug somewhere else (such as in a locker) and can prove that you controlled its whereabouts. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

lucy	Can you spell L A W S U I T? Can you afford to pay any judgment if you are sued and your liability insurance denys any claim that may result from this employees negligence and YOUR knowledge of smoking pot on the job? It is one thing that he smokes at home/weekends when he is not on the job period, but to say that he is actually on the job working and smoking is incredible. Yes he is doing his job it appears since he has been able to "build up" his tolerance just like a drunk who may appear ok but if tested could exceed or double the state minimum and be arrested. What about if he drives home one night from work and has a accident and they find out that he had been smoking on the job? They could come back to you if found out that you allowed this. Just like dram shop laws where a bar serves liquor and then becomes financially liable after they leave and cause damages/injuries to others. You need to get a memo out that states from this day forward, no alcohol or pot will be allowed during working hours period. Make it clear, 1 time notice and the 2nd is termination period. I would also add that anyone showing up for work either intoxicated or smelling like pot will be sent home and not allowed to work that day, since in his case most likely will smoke on the way to work or at home before leaving and pot does definitely leave a smell on their clothes/hair etc. As you state, you and your friend have a vested interest in a successful coffee shop that both of you could lose if this employee "exposes" you to any negligence that he could cause. good luck Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Mark M	I believe in being direct. He has worked there for four years, and he probably has only been using on the weekends. Now something has happened to change his behaviour. Call him aside and confront him with his behaviour, ask him if there is a reason or he just stopped caring. This is the warning, in two weeks there will be a drug test. He fails the test for using on weekends, he is fired. If the insurance companies found out about this, the premiums would put the shop out of business. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

muey5	You should always start with a formal and CLEAR warning of the consequences of his actions. As a coworker (which i'm assuming) you can't really do much, but bring to the attention of your immediate supervisor. You can monitor him by checking up on him every once in a while and making sure he doesn't smell like pot when he's at work. It's pretty hard to not smell like pot when you smoke it. also if you've had complaints from other coworkers or even customers, you should tell your supervisor. If you don't smell or see any signs of him being under the influence, and its not affecting his work in any way, i don't really see any reason to fire him or get him in trouble. If there is reason for you to believe that he is still doing this, then the supervisor should follow through on the warning, whether it's being written up, or termination. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Ev Money	My policy with my employees is very clear - no drugs or alcohol when on the job. I don't care what they do in their own homes, but if I am paying them to do work, then they are going to do their work. Now, coming in high is a bit trickier. I would make it known that I am not OK with it, even if they are capable of working high, in order to be consistent with all employees. You should start with a warning, leading up to termination through pre-defined performance management steps (for example - three strikes then you're out). Monitering really comes down to knowing your pothead. Red eyes? Giddy or groggy? Smelling like pot? Hope this helps! evmoney Check out my financial advice vlog! http://www.youtube.com/evmoneyTV Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Blank	1. Warn him and say that he WILL get fired because that is not legal. 2. If he does not do anything than talk to your local authority. 3. Follow what they say. 4. STILL NO?? Fire him It is better to fire him and keep a good reputation and hire someone else. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

YodyMan in the USA	If I were a boss, a owner of a business, I would have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any use of drugs by employees. Doing drugs on the job is inexcuseable. You should fire him with no warning, no slap on the wrist. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

raisinblooooo	You spy on them....figure out where they stash it, get your grubby little paws on it and not give it back. Not really. Seriously speaking, if his pot smoking is NOT affecting his job performance and he is happy and nice to your customers, he shows up on time and is not stealing....(I would turn a blind eye, so to speak) Unless something else were to happen. In my opinion (and Mr. Pickle you know I have many) the fact that your employee "smokes" does not make them a bad person or employee.... Love, "raisin" Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No