There are many ways for employers to create a healthier and more productive work environment. To ensure a healthy workplace environment, employers can adopt smoke-free policies, employee wellness programs, and others in the organization.
Smoke-free policies are becoming increasingly popular. The trend has now passed the threshold of being just a trendy employer perk and has moved into the mainstream. According to recent reports, more than 17 percent of companies with over 1,000 employees have adopted or are interested in adopting a smoke-free policy.
A smoke-free workplace has many benefits and can be a cost-effective way to reduce exposure to harmful secondhand smoke. Although some OSHA regulations require places of employment to be physically separated from smoking areas, many employers are taking a proactive approach to protecting their workers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
Here are a few key strategies for promoting a smoke-free workplace:
Policy Change
A lot of people think they are already smoke-free, but in reality, there is still a lot of smoke around. The fact is that even if you are not smoking, you still breathe in some of those toxins. The negative health effects of tobacco smoke are well established. The most important part of a smoke-free workplace policy is the ban of smoking products on the premises but a more detailed policy may be needed depending on your company’s policies.
Clear Policies
Smoking is a big issue in the United States. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that more than 17 million people in the United States are cigarette smokers. According to the CDC, approximately 443,000 deaths per year are the direct result of smoking. There are various ways of helping people quit smoking.
Cessation Initiatives
Today, the majority of employers have some form of smoking cessation program in place to help their employees quit smoking. These programs typically consist of three components: educational meetings, motivational incentives (cash or gift cards), and counseling.
Work With Health Care Providers
When trying to quit smoking, many people need to enlist the help of a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is due to the fact that quitting is a very complex process and needs to be managed in conjunction with other health conditions, such as diabetes or certain types of cancer. These health care providers can help patients learn more about quitting smoking and get the appropriate medications and treatments that can aid in the process.
There is nothing more important for the success of a workplace smoking cessation program than making sure that health care providers are fully engaged in the program for the right reasons.
Final Words
Abstaining from smoking is a lifesaver for your health. Supporting the employees in the journey to quit smoking is a greater way to repay the hard work and dedication of the employees.
To know more about a smoke-free workplace, join the Compliance Prime webinar.
