Final answer:
Sudden insubordination, increased absenteeism, and equipment damage may indeed be red flags of an employee's potential substance abuse or serious personal struggles. Employers should be vigilant in noticing these signs to provide necessary support and maintain a safe work environment. Understanding the underlying issues is key to preventing workplace violence and maintaining productivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
An employee exhibiting sudden changes such as increased insubordination, higher absenteeism, and being the likely cause of recent equipment damage could indeed be signaling "red flag" indicators of a potential drug or alcohol problem. These behaviors can align with findings from studies, such as those by Greenberg & Barling, that relate substance abuse and personal stress to an increased risk of workplace violence and aggression. Additionally, job burnout and mental health issues like depression have been linked to such behaviors, suggesting that these warning signs could be symptomatic of broader personal challenges.