Retail Industry
Hiring in retail? It's not always as simple as picking the best resume. With high turnover and the constant pressure to keep operations running smoothly, making sure you're hiring the right people is non-negotiable. No one wants to be the business that hires someone who steals, shows up drunk, or falsifies their work history. So, what are you doing to protect your retail business?
If you're not prioritizing comprehensive drug testing and background checks, you're playing with fire. But don't worry—we've got you covered. Health Street offers fast, reliable, and customizable screening solutions designed to take the guesswork out of hiring. Ready to make better, smarter hiring decisions? Keep reading.
Protect your store from theft and liability. Call (888) 378-2499 or register online for employee screening services you can count on.
Laws and Regulations for Drug Testing in Retail
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American With Disabilities Act (ADA) 42 U.S. Code § 12114: Prohibits discrimination against employees with disabilities or those in recovery.
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Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA): Provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for substance use disorder treatment.
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National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935: Unionized workplaces must negotiate drug testing policies.
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Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988: Allows employers to develop written drug testing policies to discourage alcohol and drug use among their employees.
Drug Testing Services
Other labs just sell tests. We deliver trust, speed, and real human support for the Retail industry. No hidden steps, no confusing options. Just straightforward, professional drug testing that does what it says it will.
The Impact of Employee Theft on Retail
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More than half of small business owners (58%) say they've had employees steal from their business.
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Retailers with 21 to 30 employees seem to be hit hardest by internal theft, with 66% reporting it, while smaller businesses with 1 to 20 employees follow closely behind at 63%.
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On the other hand, businesses with 41 to 50 employees are the least likely to deal with internal theft, with only 30% experiencing it, and those with 31 to 40 employees are also less affected (29%).
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To help prevent theft, 43% of small business owners are running background checks on new hires.
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The average shrink rate in 2022 was 1.6%, up from 1.4% in 2021.
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Retail shrink accounted for $112.1 billion in 2022, compared to $93.9 billion the previous year.
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Theft caused about two-thirds of retail shrink in 2022, with 29% attributed to employee theft.
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Nearly 70% of people who abuse drugs and alcohol are employed.
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About 65% of workplace accidents involve drug or alcohol use.
Background Check Services
We run background checks 100% online. Fast, reliable, and built for the Retail industry. No scheduling, no delays. Just results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do retail stores drug test?
Many retail stores do drug test, especially during the hiring process. While policies vary by company, pre-employment testing is common in roles involving cash handling, safety-sensitive tasks, or high customer interaction. Larger retail chains may also use random or post-incident drug testing to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
What types of drugs are detected in retail drug testing?
The most common retail drug tests detect five categories of drugs: cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). However, it depends on which type of drug test is taken, as different drug tests will check for different substances.
Why are retail drug testing policies important?
Drug and alcohol policies in the workplace can lead to more productive and happier staff, reduced absenteeism, and fewer potential problems. These policies also make the workplace safer by reducing the risk of accidents or injuries caused by substance abuse.
What do retail worker background screening services include?
Retail background check services typically include criminal record checks, identity verification, and employment history review. Some companies also check for theft-related offenses or verify past retail experience. Health Street's retail worker background screening services help businesses spot red flags early—before they lead to theft, fraud, or safety issues.
How does Health Street ensure background checks are confidential?
Health Street's platform, GLASS, protects personnel data and background check results with best-in-class encryption and data management practices. You control the data at every step.
Why Health Street?
Hiring the wrong person can cost you big time. From employee theft to workplace accidents, the risks are real. Health Street helps your reduces your chances of a bad hire. We offer fast, reliable background checks and drug testing services that help you build a team that actually works for you—no drama, no surprises.
Our screening packages are designed for all businesses, big or small, and they help you spot red flags before they turn into expensive problems. Whether it's criminal records, drug abuse, or fake resumes, we've got your back. So, why take the risk with anyone else?
Citations
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Congress.gov. (n.d.). H.R.1 - Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. https://www.congress.gov/bill/103rd-congress/house-bill/1
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Jones, R. T. (n.d.). Training and Employment Information Notice No. 15-90. U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. https://oui.doleta.gov/dmstree/tein/tein_pre93/tein_15-90.htm
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Metz, J., & Megna, M. (2024, June 10). The impact of retail theft on small businesses and states. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business-insurance/impact-retail-theft-on-small-businesses/
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National Labor Relations Board. (n.d.). The law. https://www.nlrb.gov/about-nlrb/rights-we-protect/the-law
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U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended. https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/ada/