Probably one of the most common questions asked by individuals seeking employment through renowned retailers and supermarkets is whether drug testing is mandatory to be considered for employment. This is particularly prevalent for teens and young adults looking for that first job but unsure if their, “extracurricular activities” will affect their chances.
Drug testing is not a requirement for employment at Walmart unless the employer has reason to believe it is necessary or the employee is moving up to a management position. Other positional exceptions that require drug tests include asset protection specialists and pharmacists. This is the case in most retail and supermarket companies.
Read on to learn more about the drug testing policies in popular retail and supermarket locations such as Walmart, Trader Joe’s, ALDI, and more. We’ll also discuss in further detail what companies test for, why some companies don’t drug test, and your rights as an employee when a company requires you to take one.
Walmart Drug Testing Policy
For those of you holding your breath, you can breathe a sigh of relief because most Walmart stores only drug test current or potential employees for a select few positions.
Walmart is one of the most popular retail companies, as demonstrated as it ranking #1 on World’s Largest Retail Store on numerous lists, amassing a revenue of $534.7 billion (TTM) and net income of $15.0 billion (TTM).
As of January 31, 2020, there are about 4,756 Walmart stores throughout the United States, and with that many stores, the company needs a hefty amount of employees to keep them running. This is one of the reasons that Walmart doesn’t drug test every single employee and applicant.
It is stated on the Walmart website underneath their application process that:
“If your interview goes well and you are determined to be the best fit, you will receive an offer of employment and be asked to complete the next steps within the pre-employment checks, such as a background check and drug screen, if applicable.”
Therefore, the drug testing policy varies from store to store. Some Walmart locations might require a drug test for every single position before officially hiring an applicant, and some will only perform this for certain positions.
Most of the starter/entry-level positions at Walmart don’t require any form of drug test in order to be considered or ultimately hired. These positions include:
- Cashier
- Janitor
- Food and Grocery
- General Merchandising
- Stocking
However, there are circumstances where even applicants of these entry-level positions are requested to take a drug test. One example would be if the applicant has a criminal record or expresses some suspicious behavior that would lead the employer to think a drug test is necessary.
It is also possible that the company asks for a random drug test, even after an individual has been hired. These tests are sometimes requested because of reasonable suspicion or an on-the-job accident.
There are some Walmart positions where drug tests are consistently required prior to, and potentially throughout, employment to ensure maximum safety of co-workers, consumers, and company assets. These positions include:
- Management
- Asset Protection Specialist
- Pharmacists
These are higher-risk positions that require more extensive training and, in the case of pharmacists, education. As a result, drug testing for these positions adds an element of reassurance for the employer that the applicant will be drug-free and sober at work.
What About Other Supermarket/Retail Companies?
Although Walmart is certainly a huge presence in the shopping industry, it isn’t the only option out there. So how do other companies compare when it comes to drug-testing their current or potential employees?
Does Trader Joe’s Drug Test?
If you’re truly concerned about even the prospect of taking a drug test to receive employment somewhere, then consider applying to Trader Joe’s.
You can find 503 Trader Joe’s stores in over 42 states as well as Washington D.C., so there’s a significant chance at least one is located near you. If the closest Trader Joe’s is still a bit a drive, the peace of mind of knowing this company does not drug test their employees might make the distance worthwhile.
Many accredit this decision to the fact that Trader Joe’s as a company prioritizes legitimate bonds between employees and management and values quality work. Therefore, to them, drug testing current employees or applicants severely hinders trust within any Trader Joe’s team and creates an environment less conducive to productivity and customer connection.
So, there you have it. One solid store that doesn’t require anything from applicants other than the basic resume, and if the employer wants to do more digging, the furthest they’ll go is a background check.
Does ALDI Drug Test?
Originally a German supermarket chain, ALDI has found its way into the hearts and souls of citizens all over the world, particularly in the United States.
Although it spans fewer states than Walmart and Trader Joe’s, there are still more than 2,000 ALDI stores across 36 states, 10% of which are located in Illinois.
Many individuals of all ages avidly seek employment at ALDI due to their exceptional benefits and rates that are typically much higher than competitors with the same job description. Plus, cashiers don’t have to bag a thing!
So, considering the competition for these jobs, how does ALDI stand up against other companies on the list for drug testing? Well, to be frank, they’re pretty strict.
Although there are some instances where past employees have stated they never got drug tested prior to or during their employment at ALDI, the majority of sources states that they request at least a urine test before officially offering a position. And this is the case for any position, entry or otherwise.
If you aren’t completely clean prior to your application or don’t necessarily intend to be, then it’s best not to take your chances with this one.
Does Target Do Drug Testing?
Another extremely popular company that is often seen amongst others on this list is Target. With 77.13 billion dollars in worldwide retail sales, Target is consistently ranked in America’s top 10 largest retail companies by revenue.
Due to its popularity and success, there are a vast number of individuals seeking employment at one of Target’s 1,868 U.S. stores. However, if you’re withholding your application out of curiosity whether this company drug tests, you’re probably in the clear.
Although Target maintains the right to request randomized drug tests at any time, it is not required for the application process except for the few conditions below:
- Job requires the applicant to operate a vehicle
- Employee is involved in an incident or accident
- Employer suspects applicant or employee is under the influence of drugs
It is clearly stated in terms of employment and on the Target website that:
“In accordance with Target’s Drug-Free Workplace (DFW) Policy, certain roles may require a mandatory drug screen as a condition of employment. If the role you’ve received an offer for requires a drug screen, you will be notified at the time of offer and be prompted with the next steps during the screening process.
The drug screen must be completed within 24 hours of accepting your job offer. Failure to complete a required drug screen in the allotted time may result in the withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.”
Therefore, the terms of drug testing at Target are clearly detailed by the company. If you are hoping to apply for an entry-level position, it is highly unlikely you will need to take a drug test.
Does Costco Drug Test?
The Alice in Wonderland of stores, Costco sold nearly everything under the sun almost ten years before Amazon even came into the picture. This company is another massive presence in the retail industry, with 558 warehouses in the U. S.
In terms of their drug testing policy, Costco takes a drug-free environment very seriously and almost always drug tests applicants.
Many Costco employees and applicants have even collectively established that when you are interviewed for a position at Costco, you must agree to a swab saliva test on the spot before they will even consider continuing the interview process.
In their “Drug and alcohol-free workplace policy,” Costco clearly details its stance on a drug-free work environment and defines what drugs are deemed unacceptable and under what circumstances employees or applicants will be requested to perform a drug test.
These circumstances include:
- Pre-Employment Testing: “All final applicants being considered for a position must pass a drug test before they receive an unconditional offer of employment and/or begin working for the Company.”
- Reasonable Suspicion Testing: “If a Manager, based on reasonable conclusions drawn from specific facts, reasonably suspects an employee is using or is under the influence of an unauthorized substance while the employee is working, on Company premises… the Company may require the employee to undergo a drug and/or alcohol test.”
- Post-Accident Testing: “When the Company reasonably believes an employee caused or contributed to a work-related accident that results in damage to Costco vehicles, machinery, equipment or property, or results in an injury to a person who requires off-site medical treatment, the employee will be required to submit to a drug and alcohol test as soon as practicable following the accident.”
- Return to Duty and Follow-Up Testing: “Testing An employee who has signed a Contract for Continued Employment (CCE) and has undergone a substance abuse evaluation, whether or not through the Care Network, will not be permitted to return to duty without passing any appropriate drug and/or alcohol tests and is subject to follow-up drug and/or alcohol testing at times and frequencies determined by Costco for up to two (2) years.”
Some current or previous Costco employees have stated only applicants for certain positions that operate heavy machinery must adhere to drug testing.
However, this might be conditional to certain stores or locations since the majority of individuals supported the first point stated in Costco’s policy that drug testing is required for all applicants.
Why Don’t All Companies Drug Test for Every Position?
Although federal and state regulations detail the appropriate circumstances and substances for drug testing in an employment setting, whether or not a company requires them widely varies.
The most significant reason for this is the considerable cost the company has to pay to drug test every single employee and applicant they consider.
According to an SHRM poll:
- 39% percent of employers pay less than $30/test/person for drug testing
- 24% of employers pay $31 to $40/test/person for drug testing
- 19% of employers pay $41 to $50 /test/person for drug testing
- 18% of employers pay more than $50 /test/person for drug testing
The average Walmart employees between 225-350+ at a time ensure store functionality and efficiency. At $30 per test with 350 employees, the company spends about $10,500 on tests alone.
However, this doesn’t even consider the company’s turnover and frequent need to hire or rehire employees. Therefore, it isn’t out of the realm of probability that some Walmart’s spend twice or three times this amount. And that’s just for one store in the company.
Some could argue that considering Walmart’s size and revenue. The company could afford this added cost. However, not all companies can, so a significant issue lies in the cost of testing.
In fact, most of the figures mentioned above would only include spit or urine tests, which typically cost between $30 and $60. If a company wants to take their drug testing to the next step with blood or hair tests, the cost of each could be well over $200.
For some companies, the added reassurance that they are hiring and maintaining drug-free employees is worth the cost, but for many others, it is preferable to spare the extra cash and consider it profit.
Are You Legally Required to Take a Drug Test?
A common concern for individuals who are given a drug test by an employer is whether they are legally required to take it or if they can refuse. This topic is a whole can of worms that would take a while to unpack, but the short version would be that it depends.
If you are an applicant and you have not signed any with the company, you are absolutely allowed to decline the drug test. However, if a drug test is required due to company policy, they have the right to refuse your employment. Many companies will create policies that more or less coincide with the Drug-free Workplace Act of 1988, so it is not uncommon for this to occur.
If the company already employs you, then the situation gets much more complicated. First off, during the hiring process, you should be conscious of any terms of employment you sign and whether it is stated in this signed agreement that the company has the legal right to require a drug test and under what circumstances.
Most companies that require drug tests are extremely careful because many have been sued by past employees on the grounds of:
- Invasion of privacy
- Wrongful discharge
- Defamation
- Discrimination.
Several laws protect American workers’ basic civil rights, and even the Supreme Court has ruled that drug-testing infringes on an employee’s privacy.
However, apart from legally signing under the terms of employment, there are circumstances that your employer can require you to take a drug test.
A company might decide to pursue legal actions against an employee due to:
- Damage to company property
- Damage of company assets
- Injury of the individual or co-worker
- Posing a serious risk to company goods, consumers, or co-workers
If they suspect that the employee was under the influence of drugs at the time of the event, they can report the employee to the authorities, who might then require a drug test by law.
Ultimately, companies require drug tests to ensure productivity and the safety of others. If your employer requires you to take a drug test and you are unwilling to accept, be sure that you are aware of any legal documentation you signed as their employee.
It is also important to know the laws within your state of residency and when you are legally required under state legislation to take a drug test upon an employer’s request.
What Drugs Do They Test For?
It’s obvious by the name that when a company wants you to take a drug test, then they’re testing your body’s system for, well, drugs. However, what many don’t know is what kind of drugs most of these companies are testing for.
There are multiple panels for drug tests that each detect different substances. Some only search for common prescription drugs, while others will test for more significant recreational or illegal drugs.
Here are the four types of panels for drug tests and what each test detects:
| “Standard” 5-panel drug test | 8-panel drug test | 10-panel drug test | 12-panel drug test |
| THC (found in marijuana, hash, and other cannabinoids), “Basic” Opiates (including morphine, heroin, codeine), Amphetamines (ecstasy, methamphetamines, etc.), Cocaine (including crack), Phencyclidine (PCP) | All drugs included in the 5-panel test plus Benzodiazepines (tranquilizing medications such as Xanax, Librium, Valium, etc.) Methaqualone/ Quaaludes, Barbiturates (a.k.a “downers” such as secobarbital, phenobarbital, butalbital, etc.) | All drugs included in both the 5-panel and 8-panel tests plus Methadone, “Complex” opiates such as Propoxyphene, Oxymorphone, and Hydromorphone | All drugs included in the 5, 8, and 10-panel tests plus Meperidine and Oxycodone |
Final Thoughts
Although drug testing is not required by all retail or supermarket companies, the vast majority of them will either require an initial drug test or reserve the right to drug test their employees under certain circumstances.
It is important to know regulations in your state as well before interviewing for a company that might request a drug test. Certain states are harsher than others with legislature regarding drug-free work environments. As a result, some companies on this list that don’t typically test might consistently require applicants to take drug tests depending on their location.
