How to help your employees stop smoking

Studies show that a majority of smokers want to stop smoking, but are unaware of the best method to help them. Employers are becoming more and more aware of the rising cost that smokers bring to their business, and are willing to help them stop. Many employers are now offering smoking cessation through their employee wellness program. Today there are three different approaches that are typically used, for smoking cessation. These methods are-

• Educating and informing the employee-Using this method the employee is given information to help them stop smoking. This typically includes self help materials. It is important that the employer carefully consider all aspects of the methods before they decide what information should be given to the employees who are involved in the program.
• Facilitated-Using this method the employees works with an outside agency that has been hired to help them stop smoking. There are different ways that this can be done such as stop smoking groups that deliver programs and off-site activities. This can be done in conjunction with any self-help materials that are needed to aid the employee in stopping smoking. This method is most often facilitated off the premises of the business.
• Comprehensive-This method is different in the fact that rather than offering these programs and activities off-site, this method offers them to the employees at the workplace. This can be done during workday hours as needed, such as break times or lunch times.
• Whatever type of program that you choose for your employees, there are variety of reasons that it makes good sense to help your employees stop smoking. Here are a few of those reasons-
• It saves your business money. The simple fact is that when employees quit smoking it adds to your bottom line. Studies have shown that workers who smoke cost their companies several thousand dollars a year in lost production and higher medical bills. Keep in mind that these are per employee figures, so if a company has several smokers the numbers go up dramatically.
• It makes for a better business culture. Today there are many different restrictions on smoking. Employers, who offer smoking cessation to their employees, are making it easier for them to fit in and are creating a culture of health and wellness. Rather then simply punishing employees who violate the no smoking policy in many building, instead employers are looking for ways to help.
• It has a high return on investment. Studies have shown that tobacco cessation treatment is actually the single most cost effective health insurance benefit, for adults. In addition, it has been shown that smokers are 2-3 times more likely to quit permanently when the help and support of a program, rather then doing it on their own. In addition, since smoking has been linked to several different serious and chronic health problems, employers who help their workers quit smoking save money in lower health care costs and premiums.
• It improves employee health-There is no denying the fact that smoking has been linked to: several different kinds of cancer, heart problems, asthma, premature birth and low birth weight babies. All of these problems cost a great deal of money. When employees aren't smoking the risk for these and many other problems drops dramatically. In addition, many employees who smoke must stay at home to care for children who are exposed to second hand smoke. The cost of absenteeism and sick days is nearly crippling for some companies. Having employees who don't smoke, means a healthier, more cost effective and productive workforce.
• It improves the image of your business-Today many job applicants are looking for smoke free environments to work in. If your business can market itself as a smoke free and healthier work environment, the top talent in your field of business, will be much more interested in what your business has to offer.