Final answer:
The best first action for a supervisor suspecting an employee of substance abuse is to offer support and express concern. This approach balances the need to address the issue with compassion and provides an avenue for the employee to seek help.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended action for supervisors when first confronting an employee who is suspected of being a substance abuser is C) Offering support and expressing concern. Immediate termination can be too harsh without proper investigation and could lead to legal troubles or unfair treatment. Ignoring the behavior is irresponsible and could endanger the workplace or the individual themselves. A formal written warning might be necessary in some cases, but as a first response, it may be more beneficial to express concern and offer support, which could include resources for counseling or rehabilitation programs. This approach acknowledges the seriousness of the issue but also provides a path for the employee to follow in order to improve their situation while maintaining their dignity and position.