Where is the Correct Location for Employees to Smoke?

The Cost of Smoking to Businesses

Smoking is a major public health problem that costs businesses billions of dollars each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking-related illnesses result in:

• $170 billion in lost productivity
• $300 billion in healthcare costs
• $97 billion in premature deaths

The Benefits of Smoke-Free Workplaces

Creating a smoke-free workplace can have numerous benefits for businesses, including:

• Reduced healthcare costs
• Increased productivity
• Improved employee morale
• Enhanced company image

Effective Strategies for Creating a Smoke-Free Workplace

There are several effective strategies that businesses can use to create a smoke-free workplace, including:

• Implementing a smoke-free policy
• Providing smoking cessation resources
• Offering incentives for employees to quit smoking

Stories of Success

Story 1:

Benefit: Reduced healthcare costs

How to Do It: Implement a smoke-free policy and provide smoking cessation resources.

Story 2:

Benefit: Increased productivity

How to Do It: Offer incentives for employees to quit smoking, such as paid time off or financial rewards.

Story 3:

Benefit: Improved employee morale

How to Do It: Create a smoke-free zone where employees can socialize and relax without being exposed to secondhand smoke.

Tips and Tricks

• Communicate the smoke-free policy clearly to all employees.
• Enforce the policy consistently and fairly.
• Provide designated smoking areas outside of the workplace, if necessary.
• Offer smoking cessation programs to employees who want to quit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Allowing smoking in designated areas inside the workplace.
• Failing to enforce the smoke-free policy consistently.
• Ignoring the concerns of employees who are affected by secondhand smoke.

The Bottom Line

Creating a smoke-free workplace is a smart decision for businesses that want to improve their bottom line and the health of their employees. By implementing effective strategies and avoiding common mistakes, businesses can create a healthier and more productive workplace that benefits everyone.

Call to Action

If you are interested in creating a smoke-free workplace, we encourage you to contact your local health department or the CDC for more information and resources.