Workplace Wellness Programs: Focus on smoking Cessation Programs

Advantages of smoking Cessation Programs

Instances of respiratory diseases, cancer and other illnesses can be reduced through smoking cessation efforts. smoking cessation programs can provide huge opportunities for improved health.

The American Cancer Society reports that smoking staff members cost businesses an average of $1,429 per smoker per year in increased health care costs over non-smoking staff members. Implementing a smoking cessation program costs an average of $45 per worker per year, saving businesses an average of $1,383 per year for each worker who quits smoking. Additionally, the American Cancer Society reports that smokers are absent from work 50 percent more frequently than nonsmokers. They are also 50 percent more likely to be hospitalized and have 15 percent higher disability rates. smoking decreases onthe- job productivity as well. Employees who take four 10- minute smoking breaks a day work more than a month less per year than workers who don’t take smoke breaks.

Places to start with smoking cessation programs:

1.    Start a company policy prohibiting tobacco use anywhere on the property.
2.    Offer prompts/posters to support no tobacco use policy.
3.    Policy supporting participation in smoking cessation activities during duty time (flex-time).
4.    Offer counseling through an individual, group, or telephone counseling program onsite.
5.    Offer counseling through a healthcare plan sponsored individual, group, or telephone counseling program.
6.    Offer cessation medications through health insurance.