Wellness Programs – Focus on Use of tobacco Cessation Programs.

Advantages of Tobacco use Cessation Programs

Instances of respiratory diseases, cancer and other diseases can be reduced through smoking cessation efforts. Smoking cessation programs can provide immense 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.

Starting a use of tobacco cessation program costs an typical of $45 per employee per year, saving corporations an typical 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 percent more often than nonsmokers.

They’re also 50% more likely to be hospitalized and have 15% higher disability rates. Smoking lowers onthe- job productivity as well. Workers who take four 10- minute tobacco use breaks a day work more than a month less per year than employees who don’t take smoke breaks.

Places to start with use of tobacco cessation programs –  

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

• Offer lung capacity tests at business wellness fairs.

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

• Limit use of tobacco areas in the workplace.

• Present on-site use of tobacco cessation sessions.