While nicotine addiction and the physiological dependence associated with smoking is easy to recognize as factors that prevent smokers from quitting, a third, harder to see aspect is involved. Social factors play a large role in a smoker’s addiction. [i]

Here is where you can have a big impact on your employees. Effective treatment of tobacco addiction should emphasize problem-solving and extra-treatment social support[ii]. You can implement programs in your office to encourage people to quit smoking. Often, these types of programs are combined with an overall lifestyle improvement program that includes fitness and nutritional counseling, exercise classes, and organized sports activities. As an incentive, when specific goals are met — weight loss, reduction in smoking, etc — you can reward your employees with a contribution to their HSA accounts. The cost of the programs you implement will eventually be defrayed by the savings you will realize in reduced absenteeism, higher productivity, and lower health insurance premiums.

Remember, however, these programs should be designed in a way that encourages smoking cessation without stigmatizing employees who smoke. Increasing a smoker’s anxiety may lead to increased barriers to their quitting. Communication is key here; make sure your “smoke free” policies aren’t misinterpreted as “smoker free”[iii].

Some workplace smoking cessation program options are

·          Self-help programs

·          Group cessation programs

·          Incentive programs