The Target retail chain of stores has a presence in all states. The group is one of the country’s largest general merchandisers and employs nearly 350000 people across the U.S. Drug testing is now standard hiring practice with most organizations as it increases the risks of accidents and injury. Productivity is affected. To create a safe working environment, employers try to ensure a drug-free environment.
Target Job Application Process
There are several opportunities for young aspiring workers who are seeking training and employment. They hire employees who are adults and preferably a high-school diploma. The work involves operating in distribution centers that are in a high liability environment. Some of the jobs that Target hires for:
- Cashier
- Service Desk
- Backroom
- Fitting Room
- Sales Floor
- Brand Attendant
- Reverse Logistics
- Merchandise Flow
- Asset Protection
- Facilities Management
Candidates have to provide proof of legal eligibility and be agreeable to a background check. Like most employers, Target conducts criminal background checks on its potential hires. Similarly, Target also conducts drug tests on potential employees, especially those that might operate machinery or vehicles. Target conducts a drug test on those seeking employment in Asset Protection or Management. Cashiers and retail floor employees are not required to take a random drug test. Often, the drug tests severely limit the hire pools.
Target Drug Test
Most organizations such as Target offer a job along with a copy of the drug-free policy. The candidates must read and sign it. Then they need to comply with the drug test. Once the drug test results are negative, the applicant is hired. If a candidate tests positive, then various scenarios are based on the state of hiring. Some states allow the use of medical or recreational marijuana. Existing employees can be tested as per the rules. Some states allow random testing, but most others require a mandatory upcoming drug test notice. Individual employees cannot be targeted for testing without reasonable doubt. These could include abnormal conduct, causing a work-related accident, and direct observation of usage of drugs. The laws of the individual states also play a role in administering drug tests in Target. In states where cannabis is illegal, the instances of false positives during the drug tests created issues.
DFW Policy at Target
Target’s Drug-Free Workplace (DFW) Policy indicates that some particular positions might need a drug screening to be taken mandatorily. This is the condition of employment for some roles. An applicant for a role at Target that requires drug screening will be informed when offered the job. Within 24 hours of job acceptance from Target, the candidate must undergo the mandatory drug screening process. The offer of employment can be revoked or withdrawn if the concerned person skips/quits the process of drug screening.
Conducting the Target Drug Test
The Target drug test is conducted at the company’s expense at a testing location, often on-site at the work location. The candidate must provide a photo ID when coming for the Target drug test. Drug screening for Target is conducted and managed by their authorized vendors.
- As per the regulation of Target’s drug policy, the company does not accept employees who are reporting to work during the state of intoxication or impairment regarding drugs.
- Employees should not use, consume, or possess mood-altering drugs or chemicals. If employees are found to be abusing illicit/illegal drugs, the company may terminate their services.
- Target employees should adhere to these guidelines strictly within the company’s premises during working hours.
- The rules apply to employees in the community property nearby and the parking lots or even in off-property worksites.
- This drug policy is to be adhered to when driving the company vehicles too.
The employees have to sign a Consent Form that clearly states that the drug rules apply to controlled inhalants and substances. But they are exempt when using drugs prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- At what point in time can employees at Target be subject to a drug test?
Drug testing for employees of Target can occur during the following situations:
- Pre-employment: This type of drug testing is done before the potential employee is hired. The conditional job offer is given, and the candidate must undergo the drug test within 24 hours.
- After an Accident: When an employee causes considerable property damage or requires medical attention, drug testing is conducted.
- Reasonable Cause: When a Target employee has come under reasonable suspicion of having violated the organization’s DFW policy, a drug test can be conducted. These could include uncoordinated movements and slurred speech.
An employee who has erratic behavior at work or is showing considerable deterioration in work performance might also be tested for drugs.
- What is a drug-free work policy?
The drug-free policy must have clear guidelines on the consequences of the policy violation. It must be intimated clearly to all the working staffs in prior.
- What happens once the drug test results are obtained?
When a candidate tests negative, the job offer holds good. The employer is not allowed to disclose personal information about employees who have failed a drug test. The drug test result is treated confidentially, much like a medical health record.
- How is the drug testing conducted?
The Target drug testing is conducted at a testing center close to you or conducted at the work location. The drug testing procedure could include blood testing, urine, and breath testing for chemical substances. Another popular drug testing method is hair testing. It has a long detection span. Testing hair for drugs is becoming increasingly popular. It is acceptable in courts too. Drug residue is retained in hair for far longer than in blood or urine. Drug testing is conducted for heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and synthetic drugs.
- What will be the prime benefits of undertaking Target drug testing?
- The risk of accidents and liability for losses associated with drug or illicit substance abuse is substantially reduced.
- The potential loss of employment is often a deterrent for ex-addicts or substance users. When an employee is aware that resorting to substance abuse can lead to suspension and perhaps termination, it serves as a motivator to avoid those behaviors.
- Drug testing reinforces the awareness about the ill-effects of substance dependence. Employees who have been using drugs occasionally might be motivated to stay clear of such drug abuse.
Also read Target Mission Statement, Vision & Value Analysis
