Your company discovers a prolonged substance abuse issue in the workplace when you find a bottle of vodka and pills in an employee’s office. What is the proper course of action?

• A. Confront the employee directly and demand they seek help.
• B. Go to the person's manager and the human resources department to address the problem.
• C. Ignore it hoping it goes away.
• D. Notify customers about the employee's behavior.

Answer: (B)

Handling suspected substance abuse in the workplace requires following formal channels so the issue is addressed safely, legally, and with support for the employee. Reporting the situation to the employee’s manager and the human resources department ensures it’s reviewed under company policy, maintains confidentiality, and triggers appropriate steps such as connecting the employee with an Employee Assistance Program, arranging leave if needed, and conducting any required, documented investigation. This approach protects safety and productivity while giving the employee a fair path to get help in a respectful way. Directly confronting the employee can escalate tension and may violate privacy or policy, ignoring the issue risks safety and compliance, and informing customers breaches confidentiality and isn’t appropriate.