Sample Drug-Free Nonprofit Workplace Policy

A drug-free workplace policy with sample language to consider including in your nonprofit’s employee handbook.

Sample Drug-Free Nonprofit Workplace Policy
3 mins read

Some sample language to consider including in your employee handbook.


The XYZ Nonprofit will not tolerate possession, sale, consumption, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs by employees while on organizational premises, during working hours outside the office, while on XYZ Nonprofit business, or in an XYZ Nonprofit vehicle. Any employee found possessing, selling, consuming, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs while on agency premises, while on agency business, in an agency vehicle, or during working hours will be subject to corrective action, up to and including termination.

Occasional exceptions to this policy against consumption of alcoholic beverages may be made at XYZ Nonprofit’s sole discretion for small quantities of such beverages reasonable under the circumstances, usually wine or beer, which may be available at office parties or XYZ Nonprofit events. At such parties and events, all personnel are expected to exercise good judgment and moderation. In no event may any underage individual consume alcohol at any XYZ Nonprofit event, and all personnel are expected to comply fully with all laws (including laws prohibiting the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol), and to take safety precautions including arranging for a designated sober driver.

If necessary, and upon request of the employee, employees will be reasonably accommodated to complete a rehabilitation program, with reasonable safeguards for employee privacy. However, a rehabilitation request will not excuse a violation of any aspect of this drug/alcohol policy.

Any employee who is using prescription or over-the-counter drugs that may impair the employee’s ability to safely perform the job, or affect the safety or well being of others, must notify a supervisor of such use immediately before starting or resuming work while under the influence of such prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

As outlined in XYZ Nonprofit’s search and inspection policy, XYZ Nonprofit has the ability to search and inspect all work locations and any items brought by an employee onto work premises to enforce this policy or as otherwise deemed necessary by XYZ Nonprofit.

About the Author

Website | More Posts

Blue Avocado is an online magazine fueled by a monthly newsletter designed to provide practical, tactical tips and tools to nonprofit leaders. A small but mighty team of committed social sector leaders produces the publication, enlisting content from a wide range of practitioners, funders, and experts.

Articles on Blue Avocado do not provide legal representation or legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for advice or legal counsel. Blue Avocado provides space for the nonprofit sector to express new ideas. The opinions and views expressed in this article are solely those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect or imply the opinions or views of Blue Avocado, its publisher, or affiliated organizations. Blue Avocado, its publisher, and affiliated organizations are not liable for website visitors’ use of the content on Blue Avocado nor for visitors’ decisions about using the Blue Avocado website.

Leave a Reply

Please be respectful. Comments that violate our Comments Policy will be removed.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *