Quitting smoking has many benefits. In addition to lowering the risk of lung cancer, heart attack, stroke and other chronic lung diseases, you may also lower your health insurance rates. You won’t be spending at least $5 on a pack of cigarettes. Your clothes won’t reek of smoke.
Here are some ways to encourage your team to quit.
Does your company offer a smoking cessation plan? Talk to your HR department about an Employee Assistance Program. Maybe the company can offer incentives, such as gift certificates or pizza, to keep people motivated.
Start a support group to try to quit smoking together. Success rates improve if you have people behind your attempt to quit. Participate in the Great American Smoke-Out sponsored by the American Cancer Society. It is held annually the third week of November.
Change your habit of taking a smoke break. Try replacing it with another activity. Grab a magazine, crossword puzzle, or book to give you something else to do with your hands. Walk around the parking lot and get some fresh air and exercise.
Reduce your need to smoke when you are stressed. If your job permits, take a quick break. Walk away and clear your head. Take a moment and do some deep breathing exercises.
Some additional resources are available online:
American Cancer Society’s Guide to Quit Smoking
Michigan’s Workplace Smoking Cessation Implementation Suggestions
Whichever path you choose, you will feel better for it.
-BDust
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | quit smoking, smoking cessation program, smoking in the workplace, smoking policy, stop smoking, Workplace Smoking Policy
