Wellness Programs - Focus on Smoking Cessation Programs.

Advantages of Tobacco use Cessation Programs

Instances of respiratory illnesses, cancer and other illnesses could be decreased through tobacco use cessation efforts. Smoking cessation programs can provide gigantic opportunities for improved health.

The American Cancer Society reports that use of tobacco staff members cost corporations an typical of $1,429 per smoker per year in increased healthcare costs over non-use of tobacco staff members.

Implementing a tobacco use cessation program costs an typical of $45 per employee per year, saving companies an typical of $1,383 per year for each employee who quits tobacco use. Additionally, the American Cancer Society reports that smokers are absent from work 50 percent more often than nonsmokers.

They are also 50% more likely to be hospitalized and have 15% higher disability rates. Tobacco use decreases onthe- job productivity as well. Staff Members who take four 10- minute smoking breaks a day work more than a month less per year than employees who don’t take smoke breaks.

Places to start with tobacco use cessation programs -  

• Develop a “buddy” program to provide encouragement for those who commit to stop tobacco use.

• Offer lung capacity tests at company wellness fairs.

• Consider reimbursement for smoking cessation tools -  nicotine gum, patches and inhalers.

• Limit smoking areas in the workplace.

• Present on-site smoking cessation sessions.