Smoking cessation options for the workplace

There are many different options for businesses to consider when setting up a smoking cessation program.What budget is available, the needs of the employees and the structure of the company itself will all play a part in determining what programs and options are right for any particular company.It is important to keep in mind that there is no one size fits all program for every company.Determining what is best for your business and will fit your employees needs best will be a result of careful research and consideration. When considering any particular program you should also call and do a reference check. You can all other health organizations to ask about the program and speak with people who have participated in the program. If you are going to establish an in-house program or partner with an outside agency, there are some factors you may want to consider:

• Can the program you are considering be offered at times and in locations that are convenient for your employees? It is important to keep in mind that if the program is not easily accessible by your employees it has little chance of succeeding.
• Will the program suit your employees' personalities and styles of learning? You must understand the needs, learning styles and demographics of your employees in order to set up a program that will address their own unique needs.
• Do the program leaders recognize that not all smokers are at the same stage in the quitting process? Can they modify their approach accordingly? A program that is too rigid or will not adapt to the needs of your employees also has little chance of overall success. Program leaders who understand the real needs of smokers and can adapt their program to them will be able to reach out and help all of the employees.
• Has the program been evaluated and does it have a proven (but not exaggerated) success rate based on a thorough three-and six-month follow-up? While many programs may have great immediate results the true results are found in a follow-up. Finding out what these success rate are will help you determine if this is the program that is right for your employees.
• Is the program offered by or associated with a credible organization? Unfortunately there are many fly by night organizations that are trying to make a quick dollar in the employee wellness area.Knowing which organizations are reputable and which are not will help you choose the right one.
• Is there sufficient follow-up and support? It is important to determine if the program and its leaders will be available for help and support long after the smoking cessation program begins. You certainly do not want a program that disappears once the check is cashed.

You should also consider asking the following questions about the program content and its leaders (the more "yes" answers the better). Ask yourself does the program:

• Help the smoker deal with the real physical addiction of smoking?


• Incorporate the use of quit smoking medications?


• Help the smoker deal with the psychological addiction of smoking?


• Help the smoker deal with the social nature of smoking?


• Prepare the smoker for a future that is without cigarettes?


• Reinforce the smoker's motivation to quit?


• Provide tips to control urges to smoke?


• Make use of the special support systems and any other wellness activities in the workplace?


• Provide information about stress management, physical activity and nutrition?

And finally are the program leaders:

• Knowledgeable about behavior change in general and smoking cessation in particular?


• Supportive and genuinely interested in helping employees quit smoking?