Make it happen!

Levels of support for smoking employees

There are varying ways in which you can offer support for your employees' efforts to quit smoking, from comprehensive programs to more limited referrals.  The table below describes these varying levels of support.  To tailor a program to fit your organization, you can mix and match from these options.

Level of Support Pros Cons
Comprehensive
bulletOffer and pay for smoking cessation programs for smoking employees and their covered dependents
bulletProvide communication to all employees about changes in smoking policies and the types of support to be offered
bulletMay enhance health status of employees
bulletMay help contain health care costs
bulletAllows employer to assess impact of smoking program
bulletMore likely to yield changes in smoking behavior
bulletDemonstrates employer’s commitment to helping employees who smoke
bulletMore expensive than other options
bulletRequires a significant effort by the employer
Facilitation
bulletWork with health care providers (insurers and Health Maintenance Organizations) to provide smoking cessation to employees
bulletProvide self-help cessation materials
bulletProvide communication to all employees about changes in smoking policies and the types of support to be offered
bulletMay enhance health status of employees
bulletTakes advantage of existing resources
bulletDoes not require continuing effort or monitoring by employer

 
bulletRequires significant start-up effort
bulletHealth care providers may be unwilling to provide support

 
Referral
bulletProvide employees with information on community smoking cessation programs
bulletProvide self-help cessation materials
bulletProvide communication to all employees about changes in smoking policies and the types of support to be offered
bulletTakes advantage of existing resources
bulletLess expensive than comprehensive support
bulletEasier to implement than comprehensive support or facilitation

 
bulletLess effect on smoking behavior and health care costs

 

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 19, 2003. Copyright © 2003 Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch, NC Department of Health and Human Services. All rights reserved. Click here for disclaimer.