Yes, in some cases, Randstad drug tests the job applicants. However, it’s important to note that this is a staffing agency that deals with two types of employees: internal and external.

While many of the listings for internal positions at Randstad don’t explicitly mention drug tests, the agency still embraces a drug-free policy in the workplace. After all, the 2013 US employee handbook states that working while intoxicated or even just in possession of illegal substances can lead to termination.

If you’re interested in working at Randstad but not sure if you’ll pass the drug test consider the resources below:

• GUIDE: How to Pass a Urine Test (This list of products may help)

Meanwhile, the exact screening process for external employees varies based on the client contract. So, if you’re applying for a company via Randstad, you can always check the requirements for drug screenings and background checks on the listing itself.

To understand the agency’s stand on drug testing better, we spent hours digging into Randstad’s policies and what former applicants had to say about the hiring process. We even looked into previous cases where candidates used medically prescribed drugs.

What Type of Drug Test Does Randstad Use?

Since Randstad sources staff for a whole lot of clients at various locations worldwide, we can’t really describe a fixed process to expect while applying.

That said, many applicants found that urinalysis and mouth swabs were the most common types of drug testing used during the hiring process at Randstad. In some cases, the candidates were even asked to do both.

For the mouth swab test, you can expect something like the Oral-Eze kit. This type of drug testing is minimally invasive, but it still screens the oral fluids for a wide range of controlled substances, including:

• Amphetamine
• Methamphetamines
• Cocaine
• Marijuana (THC)
• Opiates
• Oxycodone
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Meanwhile, the urinalysis process can be a bit more annoying for applicants since it requires peeing in a cup and then using dipsticks to identify potential controlled substances in the specimen.

Depending on the location, the agency might use urine drug test kits with 5, 8, or 10 panels.

For reference, a 10-panel kit would test for:

• THC
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• PCP
• Opiates
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Methaqualone
• Oxycodone
• Methamphetamine

When Does Randstad Drug Test?

Randstad does pre-employment drug screening, which many applicants reported taking after they were done with the interview. Some people were tested during the orientation, too.

However, Randstad also does post-accident, assignment-related, and random drug checks. Of course, reasonable suspicion can also call for a for-cause drug and/or alcohol screening.

Randstad Drug Testing Process

How Long Do Randstad Drug Test Results Take?

It seems like the drug testing process at Randstad can be done either in-house or through a third-party medical lab.

If you’re asked to do it on site, the agency will probably use a urinalysis kit. In this case, they’ll let you know the results right away and maybe even ask you to throw the sample away yourself on your way out.

However, it’s also possible for the hiring managers at Randstad to ask you to head to a lab like Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, or MedExpress to have your sample taken. Depending on how backlogged the lab is, your drug test results could be ready in 2-5 days.

Either way, drug testing won’t be the longest step in the hiring process. After all, you might have to go through medical assessments and background checks, which can take much longer than a typical drug test.

What Happens if you Fail a Drug Test at Randstad?

Generally speaking, the staffing agency won’t hire applicants who test positive for drugs, but it’s not clear if rejected candidates can apply again later, after 6-12 months.

For people who are already hired at Randstad, there are Employee Assistance Programs (EPAs). However, failing or refusing a drug test still comes with a risk of disciplinary action or even termination.

Does Randstad Call You if You Fail a Drug Test?

The handbook states that Randstad does notify both applicants and employees if they fail a drug test after a Medical Review Officer (MRO) reviews the results.

It’s even possible to request a retest of the sample within 24 hours. However, it’s also worth noting that if the agency agrees, the applicant or employee will probably have to shoulder the extra cost themselves.

Employee Drug Testing Policies for Randstad

Does Randstad Drug Test Seasonal Employees?

If you’re applying to seasonal and temp vacancies in other companies via Randstad, you’ll be subject to drug testing as long as the client (the hiring company) requests it.

Of course, seasonal listings aren’t as common in Randstad’s internal listings.

Does Randstad Drug Test Warehouse Employees?

Yes, you can expect drug testing for external warehouse listings, especially if you’re applying to be a Hi-Lo driver or machine operator.

Does Randstad Drug Test Part-Time Employees?

Just like full-time, temp, and seasonal listings, external part-time positions on Randstad’s platform set the drug testing requirements in compliance with each client’s hiring policy.

On the other hand, part-time listings aren’t all that common for internal roles at the staffing agency itself.

Does Randstad Drug Test Employees?

Yes, even people who are already employed at Randstad can still be asked to submit samples for drug screenings.

This could be just a part of random checks, but it could also be for-cause if there are signs that an employee is abusing drugs or alcohol during work hours.

Does Randstad Drug Test For a Promotion?

According to the 2013 handbook for employees at Randstad USA, some assignments and permanent positions might require additional drug testing. So, screening before promotions will depend on the clients that you’ll be working for in your new role.

Of course, it’s possible to decline the screening in this case. However, you won’t be considered for this specific assignment if you refuse the requested drug test.

Does Randstad Drug Test if You Get Injured on the Job?

Yes, you can expect to undergo drug and alcohol testing if you’re employed at Randstad and had a work-related accident recently.

This type of substance abuse screening is called post-accident testing, and it’s also covered in the employee handbook. The main goal here is to identify if the reason behind the incident was that the injured employee was intoxicated during the incident or skipped safety precautions.

Marijuana Drug Testing at Randstad

Does Randstad Drug Test For Weed?

Although the exact testing procedure will vary from one location to the other, you can still expect the drug screening to cover marijuana.

Both mouth swabs and urine analysis kits will detect THC.

Does Randstad Accept a Medical Marijuana Card?

It’s not entirely clear whether the staffing agency actually accepts cards for prescribed controlled substances in general.

For instance, there was one case where Randstad refused to hire someone because they tested positive for methadone on their pre-employment drug screening. Although the candidate was taking methadone for medical reasons as a recovering addict, the agency still declined her application.

While a situation like this could be grounds for a disability discrimination lawsuit in some regions, you’d probably want to avoid this hassle altogether.

So, if you’re looking to apply for an internal listing at Randstad and you have a prescription for weed or any controlled substance, we’d recommend getting in touch with the local branch. This way, you can ask if they’ll accept a medical card.

For external listings, it could be wise to check the hiring company’s policies on drug testing, too.