Support for Employees Who Smoke

The effect of implementing a tobacco-free policy will be most immediate for employees who smoke. You can help them adjust to changes introduced by your smoking policy by communicating the following:

• Inform employees in advance that a new policy is being developed.
• After the policy is implemented, let smokers know that you appreciate their efforts to comply with the policy.
• Offer smoking cessation assistance.
• Ask nonsmoking employees to support and encourage smokers.
• Plan for continuing support of smokers who want to quit.

"Your goal should be a tobacco-free workplace, not to stigmatize employees who use tobacco"

Employees who smoke can be offered varieties of assistance plans, from comprehensive programs to more limited referrals.  The table below lists some of these types of programs. To tailor a program to fit your company, you can mix and match from these options:

Level of Support Pros Cons Comprehensive Offer and pay for smoking cessation programs for employees and covered dependents. May enhance health status of employees More expensive than other options May help contain healthcare costs Requires a significant effort by the employer Allows employer to assess impact of smoking program Provide communication to all employees about changes in smoking policies and support to be offered. More likely to yield changes in smoking behavior Demonstrates employer’s commitment to helping employees who smoke Facilitation Work with health care providers (insurers and Health Maintenance Organizations) to provide smoking cessation for employees. May enhance health status of employees Requires significant start-up effort Takes advantage of existing resources Health care providers may be unwilling to provide support. Provide self-help cessation materials. Does not require continuing effort or monitoring by employer Provide communication to all employees about changes in smoking policies and support to be offered. Referral Provide employees with information on community smoking cessation programs. Takes advantage of existing resources Less effect on smoking behavior and healthcare costs Provide self-help cessation materials. Less expensive than comprehensive support Provide communication to all employees about changes in smoking policy. Easier to implement than comprehensive support or facilitation

Incentives

Incentives are most effective in increasing interest in quitting. Even small rewards or recognition, such as in a company newsletter, can help smokers succeed at cessation by providing a concrete goal.

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