Smoking cessation and the workplace

The workplace is an ideal environment in which to encourage people to quit smoking.  Employees spend so much of their time at work that smoke-free workplace policies (and the subsequent inability to smoke while at work) can provide the incentive they need to succeed in their quitting efforts.

However, quitting smoking isn't easy for most people.  Most smokers try to quit repeatedly before they succeed, and others may go through longer term "cycles" of not smoking and then smoking again. 

There are many different smoking cessation programs available, because not every program will work for every individual and meet their needs.  Smoking cessation support at worksites ideally includes a variety of methods and materials to meet the diverse needs of employees who smoke.  While 70% of smokers say they'd like to quit smoking, not all smokers will make a serious attempt to quit at the same time, and not all smokers will respond to the same program or "prescription" for quitting. 

Smokers vary in their readiness to quit.  Some may have already quit and need support to stay away from cigarettes, some may be ready to try to quit, and others may still be just thinking about it.  Still others may not even be ready to contemplate quitting.  Thus, it is important to consider both providing different types of support, and providing ongoing support (in the years following the policy's implementation, not just when the new policy is announced).

Reference:

1.         Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Office on Smoking and Health, USDHHS, Wellness Council of America, American Cancer Society. Making your workplace smokefree: A decision maker's guide 1996.

This page was last updated on May 28, 2003. Copyright © 2003 Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch, NC Department of Health and Human Services. All rights reserved. Click here for disclaimer.