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Employers should offer smoking cessation programs to help motivate their employees to take better care of their health. By improving their health, they can improve their workers’ output and well-being.
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In this Pacific Prime article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about this latest employee wellness initiative, how it enhances overall employee benefits, and why it’s becoming increasingly popular in the workplace.
Health Risks of Smoking and Second-hand Smoking
Smoking can lead to disease and disability and harm almost every organ in the body, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This includes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, like emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
In addition, it also increases the risk of tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis. The health risks from second-hand smoking (or the act of simply being around those who are smoking) are also just as severe.
Note: In fact, there can also be third-hand smoke. This occurs when cancer-causing residue from tobacco smoke sticks to surfaces like carpets and walls. The residue tends to linger for weeks and months and re-enter the air. Children and pets are the most vulnerable to third-hand smoke.
Almost Half of Employers Plan to Tackle Smoking
A study by digital health company Pivot found that 48% of employers ranked smoking cessation among their top three priorities for 2022. This is partly due to employees smoking and vaping on the job, highlighting the surge in vape use in workplace habits.
As a whopping 96% of employees who use tobacco do so while on the job, there can be health consequences not only to them but also to those around them via secondhand smoke.
The increased healthcare claims and decreased productivity, as a result, cost an employer an extra USD $9,000 per tobacco user per year. What’s more, tobacco use in the workplace can also put a dent in the company brand and put off non-smokers from working there.
Believe it or not, many employees who are smokers are likewise struggling to quit smoking and could do with some quit-smoking incentives.
In fact, 85% of employees who don’t have access to an employer-sponsored tobacco cessation program wish one were available.
So, in conclusion, smoking cessation programs in the workplace bring two key benefits as outlined below:
- It helps companies gain a name for themselves as employers who care about their employees’ well-being, which helps them attract the best candidates (both smokers and non-smokers).
- It results in healthier and happier employees, which lowers healthcare claims and increases productivity all to the benefit of the company’s bottom line. In other words, companies will have seen a return on investment (ROI) on smoking cessation programs.
The Business Case for Smoking Cessation Programs
Smoking-related health issues can significantly impact a company’s bottom line. Employees who smoke are more likely to experience chronic diseases, resulting in increased absenteeism, higher healthcare claims, and reduced productivity, which adds a financial burden on employers.
According to the American Lung Association, employers can save up to $3 for every $1 spent on smoking cessation programs. The savings come from reduced absenteeism, lower medical costs, and increased employee productivity. This creates a direct return on investment for employers.
Smoking cessation programs can also reduce workplace accidents. Smokers face a higher risk of injury due to conditions like reduced lung function and higher fatigue levels. By supporting employees in quitting, employers can create a safer, more productive work environment.
Beyond financial benefits, smoking cessation programs can boost employee morale. When employers invest in employees’ well-being, they feel more valued, leading to higher job satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and better employee retention.
Ideas for Smoking Cessation Programs in the Workplace
Traditional smoking cessation programs typically involve a series of seminars that provide expert education and support employees who want to quit smoking.
Another popular smoking cessation program includes making nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) free to employees. This may come in the form of nicotine patches, nicotine gum, or inhalers.
Digital programs like Quit Genius have gained popularity for smoking cessation. Unlike traditional methods, which often see dropouts due to rigid schedules, digital approaches offer flexibility and more engagement. The most effective programs use evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Creating a Tailored Smoking Cessation Program
Employers should offer various types of programs to meet the diverse preferences and schedules of their workforce to ensure high participation rates and success. Employees have different needs when it comes to quitting smoking, so offering a one-size-fits-all program is ineffective.
Some employees may benefit from in-person support groups, while others prefer digital solutions like mobile apps for smoking cessation. Offering a combination of counseling, peer support, and nicotine replacement therapies can accommodate a variety of preferences.
Employers should also offer incentives to encourage participation. Rewards like gift cards or additional time off for reaching milestones can motivate employees. Promoting a smoke-free workplace and having clear policies can further reinforce the program’s importance.
Building a Supportive Culture Around Smoking Cessation
Employees are more likely to quit smoking if they feel supported by their colleagues and management. Encouraging open discussions about smoking cessation can create a non-judgmental space. Creating a supportive work environment is crucial for smoking cessation programs to succeed.
Employers should lead by example. When leaders and managers are smoke-free or actively engaged in quitting, it can inspire employees to follow suit. Hosting wellness events and inviting guest speakers to talk about smoking cessation can motivate employees to start their journey.
Ongoing support is also important. Employers can check in regularly with employees participating in cessation programs to monitor their progress and offer encouragement. Pairing employees with a quit buddy or mentor can help provide accountability and motivation.
Casual support networks can also be helpful. Offering opportunities for employees to share experiences, whether through informal meetings or online forums, can create camaraderie. Peer support helps reduce the isolation often felt when quitting smoking.
Incorporating Mental Health Support in Smoking Cessation
Many people smoke to cope with anxiety or depression, and providing mental health resources can increase the success rates of smoking cessation programs by addressing emotional challenges. The stress of quitting smoking can be overwhelming, so mental health support is essential.
Employers should offer counseling services or mental health resources as part of smoking cessation efforts. These services can help employees manage stress and anxiety while quitting smoking. A comprehensive approach to well-being can significantly enhance the chances of success.
Integrating smoking cessation with wellness programs like stress management workshops or fitness programs can help employees develop healthier coping mechanisms. These initiatives reduce reliance on smoking as a way to manage stress or emotional discomfort.
When mental health support is integrated into smoking cessation programs, employees are more likely to succeed. A holistic approach to wellness not only improves individual health but also contributes to a healthier, more productive workplace overall.
Get in Touch With Pacific Prime today!
Whether you already have an employee benefits program or are looking to offer one, Pacific Prime is your best bet.
As a global health insurance broker and employee benefits specialist for over 25 years, we work with companies of all sizes and industries and utilize state-of-the-art technology to help you design, implement, manage, and optimize a program that’s tailored to your organizational goals.
To learn more about our tailored, technology-driven approach and our employee benefits solutions, you’re welcome to arrange a free consultation with a member of our corporate team today!
With over 5 years of experience in the field, Suphanida spends the majority of her day synthesizing complex pieces of insurance-related information and translating this into easy-to-understand, engaging, and effective content across a variety of media such as articles, infographics, whitepapers, videos, and more.
Suphanida is also responsible for planning and publishing three whitepapers released annually by Pacific Prime: The State of Health Insurance Report, The Cost of Health Insurance Report, and The Global Employee Benefits Trends Report. Additionally, she handles the LinkedIn profiles of Pacific Prime’s Founder and CEO, as well as Global HR Lead.
Suphanida’s strengths lie in her strong research and analytical skills, which she has gained from her BA in Politics from the University of Warwick and Erasmus Mundus Joint MA in Journalism from Aarhus University and City, University of London.
Being of Thai-Indian origin and having lived, studied, and worked in Thailand, the UK, and Denmark, Suphanida also has a unique, multicultural perspective that helps her understand the struggles of expats and globetrotters.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling to new places and immersing herself in different cultures.
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