Quitting at work

Workplaces that offer tobacco-free work environments have been shown to be more productive. When compared to smokers, non-smokers take fewer sick days, use fewer health care resources and are overall more productive in their jobs (Fiore, Hatsukami, & Baker, 2002; Halpern, Shikiar, Rentz et al, 2001; Robbins, Fonseca, Chao et al, 2000).

The Conference Board of Canada updated its 1997 study on the costs to employers who employ smokers, and it found that the total costs have increased from $2,565 per smoking employee in 1997 to $3,396 in 2006. This cost is due to a combination of:

• increased absenteeism
• decreased productivity
• increased health/life insurance rates
• increased facility maintenance and cleaning

Considering the impact of smoking on the workplace, it is beneficial to encourage and support your employees to join the Driven to Quit Challenge.

How can an employer promote The Driven to Quit Challenge in the workplace?

• use locations such as lunchrooms, cafeterias, lounges, locker rooms and health and wellness centres to put up posters and registration forms
• use your intranet to post news about the Challenge and provide a link to www.driventoquit.ca
• launch the Driven to Quit Challenge formally in the workplace by setting up a health fair, holding a “lunch ‘n’ learn” or creating an event
• hold a company Challenge – give away prizes and incentives to smokers who quit

Let us help you get started! Contact us for free Driven to Quit materials, such as posters, registration forms, brochures and other ideas. We can also offer Canadian Cancer Society Smokers’ Helpline materials for free.

E-mail: driventoquit@ontario.cancer.ca

Call: Smokers’ Helpline at 1 877 513-5333