Does Nordstrom Drug Test Employees in 2024?
Nordstrom takes a targeted approach to employee drug testing rather than broadly screening all new hires. However, job applicants still have valid questions around if and when the retailer administers drug and alcohol tests.
This in-depth guide explains Nordstrom’s current drug testing policies, disciplinary actions for failing a test, and resources available for employees struggling with substance abuse.
What Percentage of Companies Drug Test Employees?
Before analyzing Nordstrom’s specific policies, it helps to understand the bigger picture of employer drug testing.
Around 5.3% of the US workforce undergoes drug testing per one 2020 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management. This translates to 8.7 million tests administered yearly.
By industry, transportation and warehousing see the highest drug testing rates at 37%. Retail ranks on the lower end with a testing rate of just 7%.
Across all sectors, employee drug test failure hovered around 3.1% as of 2020. The retail industry is below average at 2.6% test failure.
This data indicates Nordstrom competes for talent in an industry where occasional, suspicion-based screening rather than broad pre-employment testing is the norm.
When Does Nordstrom Test Employees for Drugs?
Nordstrom reserves the right to test employees after accidents and when reasonable suspicion warrants it.
Post-Accident Drug Testing
Any employee involved in an onsite accident may be asked to undergo a medical review, which includes providing a urine sample for drug analysis. This policy serves to promote workplace safety and determine whether substance use was a contributing factor.
Reasonable Suspicion Testing
Reasonable suspicion for requesting a Nordstrom employee drug test may be prompted by:
- Physical signs of intoxication like slurred speech, impaired motor skills, bloodshot eyes
- Possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia at work
- Erratic behavior such as sudden aggression or mood swings
Coworkers who observe such warning signs can report them to a loss prevention officer, store manager, or HR representative to determine if testing is merited.
Nordstrom’s Substance Test Panel: What Drugs Are Detected?
If reasonable suspicion or a workplace accident triggers a test, the Nordstrom employee will be asked to complete a urine-based 5-panel drug screen at an approved collection site. This standard test detects:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines / methamphetamines
- Opiates like codeine and heroin
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
It may also detect alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and methadone depending on the collection site’s testing capabilities.
Consequences of Failing a Nordstrom-Mandated Drug Test
Under Nordstrom’s drug-free workplace policy, failure to pass a company-ordered drug test results in disciplinary action up to and including termination. However, to avoid false positives, the employee can pursue a confirmatory retest at their own expense.
They may also be offered a chance to seek counseling and rehabilitation through Nordstrom’s Employee Assistance Program. But re-employment after termination is handled on a case-by-case basis.
Getting Confidential Help for Addiction and Mental Health
Recognizing substance abuse as a treatable condition, Nordstrom offers the following resources to assist employees:
- Nordstrom EAP: Available 24/7, Nordstrom’s Employee Assistance Program connects employees to licensed counselors for drug and alcohol abuse support. Sessions focus on developing coping strategies and designing a treatment plan if necessary. These support services are completely confidential and provided at no cost to the employee.
- Referrals to Treatment Centers: The EAP can refer employees to local rehabilitation facilities and programs focused on long-term recovery.
- Care Network: Nordstrom pharmacists assist employees managing health conditions with medication therapies. For those in recovery, they offer guidance on avoiding drug interactions and dependencies.
Reaching out for help will not endanger your standing at Nordstrom. In fact, it demonstrates commitment to overcoming addiction and maintaining workplace performance.
Does Nordstrom Perform Criminal Background Checks?
Yes, Nordstrom conducts criminal record checks on prospective employees after extending a conditional offer of employment. A third-party background screening company verifies the following:
- Criminal convictions
- Employment history
- Licensing/credentials
- Credit history (for some financial roles)
Applicants have a chance to give context to any issues flagged. However certain convictions may still preclude hiring for positions handling high-value goods. For example, a previous theft charge may prevent placement with the Nordstrom jewelry department.
Key Takeaways for Job Seekers
- Nordstrom conducts employee drug testing only when required for safety or prompted by reasonable suspicion. Across the retail sector, pre-hire testing is declining in favor of this targeted approach.
- Failing a company-ordered drug test risks termination but employees can request a retest or access counseling support.
- Job applicants with a criminal record or history of addiction should be transparent about their background. Focusing on rehabilitation and compliance with Nordstrom’s drug-free work policies can ease hiring concerns.
In summary, Nordstrom aims to give employees struggling with substance abuse access to treatment while strictly enforcing sobriety expectations during work hours and onsite. This empathetic yet vigilant approach promotes workplace safety while giving applicants a fair shot at building a career.
