The work place 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 employers 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.
If you provide health insurance or maintenance organization (HMO) coverage, check to
see if your policy covers cessation services (including counseling and medication). If it doesn't,
look into adding coverage for cessation services to your policy; this is the most cost-effective
benefit you can offer your workers.
Other things you can do to increase smokers' chances of quitting include:
- Distribute a list of local cessation programs.
- Provide free self-help materials.
- Organize free onsite support groups.
- Offer free or reimbursed cessation programs onsite or through local providers.
- Encourage employers to call the North Carolina Quitline at 1-800-Quit-NOW.
For more information on quiting visit:
The North Carolina Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch
http://www.tobaccopreventionandcontrol.com
And the NC Quitline
http://www.quitlinenc.com/
