Stop Smoking in the Workplace

It’s no surprise: Smoking is terrible for your health.

But did you know that if you employ smokers, your bottom line may be taking a hit: U.S. businesses are paying an estimated $3,391 extra per smoker per year in direct medical costs and lost productivity from smoking-related illnesses like cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic lower respiratory illnesses.

But employers are wising up: Currently, 37 states support a workplace smoking ban, and that number will continue to grow in 2010. According to the American Cancer Society, ex-smokers enjoy a higher quality of life with fewer illnesses from cold and flu viruses, and reduced rates of bronchitis and pneumonia. And more than 48 million Americans have quit for good.

You can help employees stop smoking in 2010 with the following tips from the American Cancer Society:

Appeal to employee wallets. In this economy, every penny counts! Remind your employees how much money they could be saving per year by tacking up reminders or using tabletop posters about the cost of smoking (we’re talking thousands of dollars!). Or send an email with this Cigarette Costs Calculator to estimate how much money employees can save per year.

Make smoking inconvenient. If you have a designated smoking spot in or around your workplace, move it farther from the building, and encourage smoke free car pools: Second hand smoke causes thousands of deaths for otherwise healthy, non-smoking individuals.

Offer support. Studies show that one-on-one or group counseling increases the quitting success rate, and cessation programs that last two weeks or longer are the most successful. Let employees know that you support their decision with reminder posters, reinforcement flyers, and emails containing tools and tips for quitting.

Advise alternatives. Studies show that up to 33% of smokers who get help from nicotine replacement therapy can stay smoke-free for over 6 months. Try researching the latest methods and alternative therapies like acupuncture and local cessation outlets for your staff.

Smokers who quit before age 50 cut their risk of dying in the next 15 years in half. To help keep employees healthy and productive, establish a support system in the workplace to increase odds for success, and decrease the chance for illness and higher health care costs.