Starting a smoking cessation program at work

According to several studies, the smoke inhaled by passive smokers is more toxic. It potentially threatens and is considered a Group A carcinogen, the most dangerous level of carcinogen. As much as it is terrible news already that one smokes, smoking in the workplace makes it no better. You would very much witness employees going out on a 2-minutes break for smoking. Many even say smoking at work helps one bond with one another.

Along these lines, you either expose yourself to secondary smoke or start smoking yourself under the influence of your peers. Thus, you put yourself at risk. However, these days, you will see many of the population choosing to quit smoking as they realize its consequences. Quitting is not only good for you but also everyone else in your vicinity. According to reports, in , And 7. All you have to do is introduce cessation programs in the workplace. It will improve the health conditions of your employees.

With workers smoking in the workplace, they are adding to the cost of the employers since health insurance affects the revenue of a company. And, smoking is bound to take a toll on health. It makes smokers vulnerable to sickness, which again hampers efficiency in terms of work.

The Centers for disease control and prevention CDC estimate that around a fifth of working adults in the United States are tobacco users. Rates of workplace smoking are generally highest for those in service-related occupation groups.

Specifically, maintenance and repair workers have the highest rates of smoking in their work force Smoking in these industries is as high as smoking in the general population was back in the s, indicating a resistance to the public health messages that have resulted in smoking reductions in the wider population. In the United Kingdom, the nationwide smoking ban that was introduced in July banned smoking in public areas. This also meant an overall reduction in smoking at a national level.

However, like their counterparts in the United States, those in routine and manual occupations in the United Kingdom have remained notably resistant to following population trends in smoking cessation, and there is still a lot of work to be done.

The CDC outline significant health dangers and productivity losses associated with smoking in the workplace. These dangers were not necessarily exclusive to tobacco users.

This cost can be attributed to a number of factors associated with smoking; including absenteeism, presenteeism, extra breaks, pension benefits, health insurance and healthcare costs. These figures are overlooked surprisingly often, despite their magnitude. Many employers remain unaware that smoking-related illness is one of the top causes of healthcare costs. Many employers are keen to alleviate the many disadvantages of a smoking workforce.

However, smoking can be an emotive issue, and history tells us that workplace smoking bans can be a source of tension and hostility between employers and employees. Tobacco cessation programs may be a more suitable alternative to smoking bans as they allow tobacco users complete autonomy.

Giving employees the opportunity to seek support with smoking cessation at work is far more effective than trying to force workers to change a fundamental part of their lifestyle. Often, employees want to quit smoking, but have lacked the relevant opportunities. Workplace smoking programs therefore offer a choice that is welcomed by many workers. Employers should allow an adequate period for tobacco users to attempt to quit before applying the surcharge, we recommend a minimum of six months.

While your employer-sponsored medical plans and traditional policies like the smoking surcharge are a good start, they may not be an exciting or well-rounded approach to smoking cessation. The below ideas can apply to a range of businesses and budgets — ask the experts at Austin for help or more ideas! Acupuncture: Most health plans may not cover acupuncture, but it can be an additional type of treatment that can help manage addiction. Acupuncture alone in likely not enough to kick the habit of smoking, but it can greatly reduce cravings and physiological effects of withdrawal during the process of quitting.

Gym Membership: If your business is invested in wellness, you may already offer free or discounted gym memberships. For those trying to quit, going to the gym on a regular basis can help distract from the process of quitting, giving them a new healthy habit. Policy: Some people choose to make the transition to quitting by use of e-cigarette or other cigarette alternatives. Have a policy in place about the usage of these tools in the office, such as restricting flavored options that may create offensive smells to others.

These can benefit all your employees, but be sure to point out benefits to those interested in smoking cessation. Try making collage vision boards, using adult coloring books, or creating inspiration quote displays to have fun, relax, and create a healthy distraction. When one family member smokes, it is likely there may be others in their home who are also tobacco users. While many teens and young adults are low users of cigarettes and chewing tobacco, new e-cigarettes have become popular. Many are unaware if they are using a tobacco product or the dangers of additives in e-cigarette liquids.

We recommend updating your smoking cessation program to include information on e-cigarettes which may include how they may help some people quit, but to beware of dangers to teenagers and children.

Employees who smoke may get rewards at your organization in the form of benefits for completing certain types of cessation programs or even perceived benefits such as more flexible break time.

For example, if you offer a small monetary reward to employees who are taking cessation courses or treatment, offer the same to non-smokers for participating in a different program for their health — maybe a walking club or gym attendance. Experienced tobacco treatment specialists are certified professionals who have been intensively trained in the science behind tobacco addiction, withdrawal, chronic conditions, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and pharmacotherapy.

Also, make sure to ask the program provider for details about the qualifications and training curriculum for the coaching staff to stay current with the latest information on tobacco use treatment. How does the program help tobacco users select and receive the right medication?

Medications, such as the patch, gum or lozenge, reduce the intensity of craving and withdrawal symptoms. Ask your program partner how tobacco treatment specialists are trained to guide smokers through the maze of medication options and usage complexities. How are the tools and support personalized to each participant? Every participant who enrolls in a smoking cessation program comes from a different place. Some are fired up for their first try; others are feeling demoralized after numerous failed attempts or a recent relapse.

Effective smoking cessation programs in the workplace will have the capacity to support all smokers, no matter their fears, attitudes or experiences, and will make support within easy reach of participants at all times. Look for a program that offers different tools to tailor the quitting experience to individual needs and preferences.