Advantages of Smoking Cessation Programs

Instances of respiratory diseases, cancer and other diseases could be lowered through tobacco use cessation efforts. Tobacco use cessation programs can provide gigantic opportunities for improved health.

The American Cancer Society reports that use of tobacco employees cost businesses an average of $1,429 per smoker per year in increased healthcare costs over non-use of tobacco employees.

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

They are also 50% more likely to be hospitalized and have 15% higher disability rates. Smoking lowers onthe- job productivity as well. Employees who take four 10- minute tobacco use breaks a day work more than a month less per year than staff members who do not take smoke breaks.

Places to start with smoking cessation programs –  

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

• Offer lung capacity tests at business wellness fairs.

• Consider reimbursement for use of tobacco cessation tools –  nicotine gum, patches and inhalers.

• Limit use of tobacco areas in the workplace.

• Present onsite tobacco use cessation sessions.