Wellness Programs – Focus on Use of tobacco Cessation Programs.
Benefits of Tobacco use Cessation Programs
Instances of respiratory illnesses, cancer and other illnesses may be lowered through tobacco use cessation efforts. Use of tobacco cessation programs can provide immense opportunities for improved health.
The American Cancer Society reports that smoking workers cost businesses an typical of $1,429 per smoker per year in increased health care costs over non-smoking workers.
Beginning a smoking cessation program costs an average of $45 per staff member per year, saving businesses an average of $1,383 per year for each staff member who quits smoking. Additionally, the American Cancer Society reports that smokers are absent from work 50 percent more often than nonsmokers.
They are also 50 percent more likely to be hospitalized and have 15 percent higher disability rates. Use of tobacco reduces onthe- job productivity as well. Employees who take four 10- minute use of tobacco breaks a day work more than a month less per year than staff members who don’t take smoke breaks.
Places to begin with smoking cessation programs –
• Develop a “buddy” program to provide encouragement for those who commit to stop smoking.
• Offer lung capacity tests at company health fairs.
• Consider reimbursement for use of tobacco cessation tools – nicotine gum, patches and inhalers.
• Limit use of tobacco areas in the workplace.
• Present onsite smoking cessation sessions.