McDonald’s is well-known as one of the biggest names in fast food chains. The company serves over 69 million customers every day from its 36,000 locations worldwide.
If you are considering a job at McDonald’s, you might be wondering if they drug test their employees. Here is what you need to know about employment drug testing for this well-established brand!
Does McDonald’s Drug Test? McDonald’s Drug Test Explained
Employees applying for a position with McDonald’s can expect a drug test as part of the application process, especially those seeking management positions and those employed in safety-sensitive areas such as restaurants and factories that serve or manufacture food items.
When Does McDonald’s Drug Test Employees?
McDonald’s can drug test at the following times:
Pre-Employment Test
Drug testing at McDonald’s is ordered by the company, not by local managers. All employees are subject to drug testing during pre-employment processes.
If you are required to complete a pre-employment drug test, you will be told this immediately after completing your interview for the job.
Since all applicants are subject to drug testing during application processes, you may want to refrain from using illegal substances on the days leading up to your interview date.
Random Test
It is highly unlikely that someone working at McDonald’s will be asked to take a random drug test. However, McDonald’s still reserves the right to test you (randomly or otherwise) if they suspect drug use.
Suspicion Based Test
If an employee is under suspicion for illegal activity at work, management may request a drug test on the spot to ensure that customers are kept safe while working in their stores. It’s important to note that McDonald’s reserves the right of refusal during this process. If you refuse, your employment with McDonald’s will be terminated immediately and without notice.
Post Incident Test
McDonald’s policies state that anyone involved in an accident at work must undergo a post-accident drug test before returning back to work. This applies even when someone was not responsible for causing the accident. Additionally, if any customer or a colleague was hurt during the accident, a drug test will be requested from any person involved.
What Type Of Drugs Does McDonald’s Test For?
McDonald’s is looking for the presence of any drugs (illegal/recreational) in their drug tests.
If one fails a drug test due to medical reasons and informs McDonald’s about this, they may not be counted against them. You will have to back this up with proof.
Even if marijuana is legalized for Recreational use in your state, the presence of any non-medical drug or alcohol can still lead to failing. You may be denied to work at McDonald’s even if marijuana is legalized for Recreational use in your state.
McDonald’s Drug Test: How Long Does It Take?
If you are under the employ of McDonald’s and are required to test for drugs, you will be given one business day in which to do so. This initial testing process is limited in time and only takes a few minutes. The waiting period for results will differ depending on the drug used and can take up to three days.
Can I Refuse a Drug Test At McDonald’s?
You may refuse a drug test at McDonald’s, but doing so will likely cost you your job there. Whether or not they fire you immediately is dependent on whether or not your refusal was pre-incident, after the incident, or following an accident.
If you fail to appear for testing at McDonald’s post incidence, you may be terminated on the spot.
Employees at McDonald’s who refuse to take a drug test following an incident, which could include an accident or refusing to comply with direct orders, are likely to lose their job. If you do not take the drug test within 24 hours of being notified, your employment will also be terminated.
What Happens if You Fail the McDonald’s Drug Test?
Are you wondering what happens if you fail your drug test at McDonald’s? The answer varies depending on if you are an applicant or a current employee.
Zero-tolerance for drugs for its employees
McDonald’s takes drug use very seriously and has a strict policy on drugs; drug use is not tolerated, even outside work hours.
For applicants, the offer is contingent on passing the drug test
Candidates looking to work at McDonald’s must complete a drug test before they can actually work. Furthermore, even if the applicant passed the initial drug test, he/she will be tested again while on duty.
Employees who fail a random drug test will be terminated
The company has zero tolerance for drugs and other substances that are not allowed in McDonalds; any employee or potential candidate who fails their next drug test is terminated immediately.
Employees who fail a drug test after an accident can be sued personally
Employees who take illegal drugs and cause injuries to someone during their shift will also face legal action from individuals and corporations alike. The corporation may also choose to sue the worker personally if the worker is found to be under the influence while on duty.
If I Fail A Drug Test At McDonald’s Can I Reapply?
After failing a drug test at McDonald’s, you must wait one year before reapplying and having another opportunity for testing. Remember that while you are waiting out this period, any additional incidents involving drugs or alcohol can lead directly to termination.
Conclusion: Does McDonald’s Drug Test?
Yes, McDonald’s does conduct drug tests for its current and potential new employees. This normally requires the applicant to complete a pre-employment drug test along with providing information about medications they are taking.
Failing a drug test at McDonald’s can have serious consequences such as being denied employment or being fired from your job if you are already employed by them. This is especially true for people who fail a second drug test at McDonald’s, which will lead to immediate termination.