Does Aldi conduct drug testing? (Must read for new employees)
Finding a new job is an exciting time for anyone, but many companies require various paperwork and pre-employment ceremonies before you start working. For slightly more than half of U.S. companies, this includes drug testing.
With its spotless brand image and reputation for treating its workers well, you might be wondering – does Aldi drug test new employees? Here’s what you need to know.
Does Aldi conduct drug testing?
Aldi employees say the company conducts drug testing on new staff when they hire them and occasionally on existing staff if required. Typically, Aldi’s pre-employment drug testing is done by urinalysis at an off-site testing facility.
There are a lot of fine print when it comes to Aldi’s drug testing policy, including the types of drugs they test for, where you’ll go for your test, and what might change in states that legalize cannabis. continue reading!
Why is Aldi drug testing?
Aldi writes in their employee handbook:
“Working under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, operating company vehicles, machinery or equipment, or being on company premises or any other location where services are provided for the company is not permitted.
Prohibit the use, possession, purchase, sale or manufacture of illegal drugs on company premises or while providing services to the company“
Given the high priority placed on a drug-free work environment, it is appropriate for companies to drug test new employees as an indicator that they may be causing drug-related problems in the workplace.
Does Aldi drug test all new employees?
Judging from sources who have been hired, the safest assumption is that everyone will be drug tested as part of their pre-employment at Aldi.
All of Aldi’s job descriptions, via their careers website, contain the “Where applicable and permitted by law, ALDI may receive acceptable work-related drug tests, motor vehicle reports and/or background checks in determining employment.“
They couldn’t be more clear. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you won’t be drug tested by Aldi just because you’ve heard of people who haven’t been drug tested.
How does Aldi conduct drug testing?
Aldi is known to conduct drug tests in a few different ways, the first of which is more common.
This method occurs during the second or third interview, where the hiring manager directs the potential new hire to an off-site, third-party testing facility (a company like Associated Clinical Laboratories will be used).
Testing will take place at such a facility on an agreed date and time planned in advance. Samples are collected unsupervised (you are alone in the bathroom).
A second possibility that has been circulating is that, upon arriving at the interview site, potential employees are surprised by going to an offsite facility for a spontaneous drug test.
When companies like Aldi claim they promote a drug-free environment, it’s important to take their word for it and be ready for a surprise test.
What drugs does Aldi test for?
Aldi detects multiple drugs in urine including THC (cannabis), opioids, cocaine and amphetamines.
Also, since Aldi uses urinalysis for the test, it is believed to be very accurate at detecting the substances.
What happens if you test positive for Aldi?
Unfortunately, a positive test will take you out of the race. You will most likely receive your results by regular mail within a few days, and it is more likely that Aldi will hear from the lab by fax.
If you test positive for any of the above, you will most likely not hear from the hiring manager again, or if you do, it will be to let you know that they will not continue the hiring process with you.
Aldi is a company worth working for, so you might want to apply again, this time avoiding drugs long before you start the process. One website recommends waiting at least six months before applying again.
Does Aldi drug test current employees?
Aldi has been known to drug test its current staff! After all, once you’re hired, you’ll be on company property a lot, so maintaining a drug-free environment is important to them.
That said, given Aldi’s stated drug-free policy on paper, it’s important to note that testing is most likely to be done when someone gives management good reason to suspect recent drug use.
Aldi isn’t trying to spoil the fun for anyone; in stores where heavy items and machinery are the norm and with hundreds of customers passing by every day, it’s a huge safety concern.
Does Aldi drug test in states where medical or recreational marijuana is legal?
It’s a tricky emerging situation as more and more U.S. states legalize marijuana on a medical or recreational basis.
The Aldi company has not officially stated anything, but there have been some discussions on sites such as the Aldi subreddit, with users claiming that in keeping with changing marijuana laws, Aldi is no longer denying hires/fires based on positive THC tests.
They claim this applies to all stores in all states, just to keep the rules standardized.
In states where medical marijuana is legal, some also mentioned that they knew in advance that THC would show up on their drug tests and provided evidence of its medical necessity during the interview.
Some users have reported that as of 2021, Aldi is not even drug testing non-managers!
However, regardless of personal accounts, Aldi itself has not issued any official statement, nor has it amended the employee handbook.
So while they may make these policy changes in the future (and under federal law), it’s not worth the risk right now.
If you’re looking to get a job at Aldi, you might want to learn about the company and find out why Aldi is so cheap, the dress code for Aldi, whether Aldi is a public company, and some Aldi stats and facts.
in conclusion
Aldi drug tests new and existing staff as part of its strict anti-drug policy. Prospective employees who are going through the recruitment process should expect to undergo a drug test sometime before officially joining the Aldi team.
