As one of the largest discount retailers in the United States, Big Lots is a popular place to shop – and to work. If you‘re considering applying for a job at Big Lots, you likely have many questions about the hiring process, including whether Big Lots conducts drug tests and background checks on potential employees.
Drug testing has become increasingly common among employers, especially for safety-sensitive roles and positions involving operating vehicles or machinery. Large companies like Big Lots have a strong interest in maintaining a drug-free workplace to minimize accidents, theft, poor performance and legal liability.
At the same time, many job seekers are understandably concerned about drug testing, whether for privacy reasons or because they engage in legal activities on their personal time, like using marijuana in states where it‘s been legalized.
So what‘s the scoop on Big Lots drug test policy? Does Big Lots drug test as part of the hiring process? What about for current employees? We‘ll cover all the details in this comprehensive guide.
Big Lots Drug Testing Policy for Job Applicants
After digging into research and reports from Big Lots employees, the general consensus is that Big Lots does NOT require pre-employment drug testing for most positions. While some job postings may state that a drug screening is required, this seems to be the exception rather than the rule.
According to feedback on indeed.com and other job sites, most Big Lots applicants say they did not have to take a drug test as part of the hiring process. This matches official statements from Big Lots, such as the following from their Code of Ethics:
"The Company is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and productive work environment. Therefore, employees must report to work free from the influence of any substance, including drugs or alcohol, that could prevent them from conducting work activities safely and effectively."
Note that this policy focuses on employees being under the influence at work rather than what they do in their off-hours. It‘s possible that certain positions involving driving or operating equipment could require drug testing, but this doesn‘t appear to be a standard hiring practice across the board.
That said, just because Big Lots doesn‘t make pre-employment drug tests mandatory, there is always a chance you could be asked to take one after receiving a job offer. If you have concerns, it‘s best to abstain from any drug use, including marijuana, in the weeks leading up to your application and hiring process to be on the safe side.
Big Lots Drug Testing Policy for Employees
While Big Lots generally doesn‘t require drug testing for job applicants, they do reserve the right to drug test current employees in certain situations. The primary circumstances that could trigger a drug test for Big Lots employees are:
1. Reasonable Suspicion
If a manager or supervisor has reason to believe an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the job, they can require a drug test. Reasonable suspicion could be based on visible signs of impairment, erratic behavior, the odor of drugs or alcohol, or other evidence that the employee‘s ability to work safely is compromised.
2. Post-Accident Testing
If an employee is involved in a workplace accident, injury or near-miss, Big Lots may require them to take a drug test to help determine if substance abuse was a contributing factor. Post-accident testing is especially common if the incident caused significant damage, serious injuries or a fatality.
3. Random Testing
Some employers do conduct random drug tests where they periodically select employees to be tested without advance notice. However, most reports suggest Big Lots does not random drug test employees as a standard policy. Random tests may occasionally be used at some locations or for certain high-risk positions.
If a Big Lots employee does have to take a drug test, it would most likely be a standard 5-panel urine test that screens for five categories of common drugs: THC (marijuana), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates and PCP. In some cases, Big Lots could use more extensive drug testing panels or other methods like hair, blood or saliva testing.
Why Does Big Lots Conduct Drug Tests?
You might be wondering – what‘s the purpose of workplace drug testing anyway? Why do some employers require it while others don‘t? There are a few key reasons Big Lots and other companies choose to drug test employees:
1. Safety
Employees who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work can pose major safety risks. Their judgment, coordination, reflexes and decision making may be impaired. This is especially dangerous for roles involving driving, operating heavy equipment or handling hazardous materials. Drug testing helps prevent substance abuse on the job.
2. Productivity and Performance
Substance abuse can significantly impact an employee‘s attendance, focus, motivation and overall job performance. Employees who struggle with addiction may have increased absenteeism, tardiness, mistakes and conflict with coworkers. Drug testing can identify employees with substance problems so they can get help.
3. Company Reputation
A company can face public backlash and a tarnished reputation if their employees are caught engaging in illegal activities like drug use. Customers may feel unsafe and lose trust in the brand if they encounter impaired employees. Maintaining a drug-free workplace boosts Big Lots‘ image as a responsible retailer.
4. Liability and Legal Compliance
Employers can be held liable if an impaired employee causes injuries, property damage or other illegal activities on the job. In some industries, drug testing is legally required to comply with federal regulations. For example, transportation workers are subject to drug and alcohol testing under Department of Transportation rules. While not legally mandated for retailers like Big Lots, drug testing provides an extra layer of protection and risk management.
Big Lots Background Check Policy
Pivoting to another common question – does Big Lots conduct background checks on potential employees? The answer is yes, Big Lots does require background checks as a standard part of their hiring process.
Most applicants will be asked to consent to a pre-employment background check after a conditional job offer has been made. The background check is usually the final step before onboarding a new hire.
Big Lots uses an accredited third-party consumer reporting agency to conduct background checks on their behalf. The background check typically includes:
- Criminal history check at the county, state and federal level
- Verification of Social Security Number
- Employment and education verification
- Motor vehicle records check (for positions involving driving)
The depth of the background check depends on the specific role, with more extensive vetting for senior leadership, financial roles and other sensitive positions. Background checks usually go back at least 7 years, although some states allow employers to look even further into an applicant‘s history.
How Long Do Big Lots Background Checks Take?
The average turnaround time for a pre-employment background check at Big Lots is about 1 week. However, the process could be shorter or longer depending on a few factors:
- Types of screenings included (criminal, employment, education, etc.)
- Scope of the background check (county, state, federal)
- Accuracy and completeness of information provided by the candidate
- County court closures, holidays or other delays in accessing records
Candidates can help expedite the background check process by double-checking that all information on their application is accurate, including past addresses, dates of employment, and education details. They should promptly respond to any requests for additional information or documentation.
Can You Still Get Hired at Big Lots with a Criminal Record?
Having a criminal record is a major employment barrier for many job seekers. Surveys show that over 60% of formerly incarcerated individuals remain unemployed one year after getting released. So if you have a criminal history, you may be wondering if you‘ll automatically be disqualified from working at Big Lots.
The good news is that Big Lots does not have a blanket policy against hiring applicants with a criminal past. As stated on their career site, "Big Lots is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic."
While Big Lots complies with all federal, state and local laws regarding background checks, they also follow EEOC guidance around individualized assessments for candidates with criminal records. This means Big Lots will consider the nature and gravity of the offense, the time elapsed, and whether the offense is directly job-related.
A single misdemeanor conviction from a few years back, for example, is less likely to disqualify a candidate than a recent felony directly relevant to the job duties. Big Lots may also give candidates an opportunity to explain the circumstances around their record and share evidence of rehabilitation before making a final decision.
Of course, Big Lots always prioritizes the safety and integrity of their workplace. Certain convictions involving violence, theft, harassment or other serious red flags could still be disqualifying. And roles involving interaction with vulnerable populations like children or the elderly may be barred for those with related convictions.
If you have a criminal record, your best approach is to be honest and proactive in discussing it with Big Lots. Take responsibility, share what you‘ve learned, and be prepared to explain how you‘ve changed. You can also get help from reentry organizations or employment attorneys who specialize in fair chance hiring.
The Bottom Line on Big Lots Drug Test and Background Check Policies
To recap, Big Lots does NOT require pre-employment drug testing in most cases, although there may be exceptions for certain safety-sensitive roles. However, Big Lots can drug test current employees if there is reasonable suspicion of impairment on the job or after a workplace accident.
Big Lots does require pre-employment background checks for all new hires after a conditional job offer has been made. Background checks usually take about a week and look at factors like criminal history, employment verification, and education credentials.
Applicants with a criminal record may still be eligible for hire at Big Lots depending on the specific details of their conviction and evidence of rehabilitation. Big Lots aims to be an equal opportunity employer and complies with EEOC guidelines around fair hiring practices.
Ultimately, if you‘re applying to Big Lots, it‘s best to be prepared for a background check and to avoid any drug use leading up to the hiring process. Focus on highlighting your qualifications, experience and passion for the role. With a strong application and interview, you‘ll hopefully land the job at Big Lots in no time!
