Quitting smoking is one of the best choices someone can make to improve overall health, but it is also extremely difficult. Have you tried and failed to successfully implement smoking cessation initiatives in your workplace? Here are some tips to help you and your employees achieve this daunting task.

Activities and Programs

Wellness programs can include a wide range of activities:

• Support groups—One of the most effective methods for smoking cessation is to meet with others who are also determined to quit. Employees can encourage each other, discuss challenges and celebrate their successes. Offer small, weekly groups and keep the group size to six or fewer.
• Motivational speaker—Effective encouragement and motivation can help even distant or difficult goals seem more manageable. You may be surprised at the energy and inspiration that a quality motivational speaker can generate for smokers who want to quit.
• Class for quitters—Teach about the benefits of quitting and the various methods for quitting. Then break up into small groups so the participants can discuss the challenges of quitting and share their own best tips for helping others succeed.
• Smoke-free campus—If your company is truly committed to providing clean air in and around the building, implement a smoke-free policy. It has the added benefit of encouraging smokers to quit by making quick smoke breaks inconvenient, since smokers will not be allowed to smoke on company premises.

Incentives

• Nicotine replacement products—From nicotine gum to patches, there are a variety of nicotine replacement products available to help ease the transition for quitters. This incentive shows that your company knows nicotine addiction is real and can be difficult to overcome, and that the company is committed to long-term employee health.
• Motivational audio book—Offer these to any employee who attends a class, support group or motivational event. The positive messages and techniques for achieving success will continue to encourage employees, long after the class or event is over.
• Lower health premiums—Make smoking cessation a financial win-win. With this incentive program, your company will see reduced health care costs, and so will the employee. Many will be more motivated to stick with their smoking cessation program if they know they will gain financial reward.
• Alternative therapies—A variety of alternative health approaches can complement traditional approaches to quitting, such as acupuncture and hypnotherapy. Make quitting easier for employees with incentives that represent a wide range of quitting methods.

Give us a call today if we can help you implement a successful smoking cessation initiative. The benefits for your and your employees are endless.