Member Article

Support for quitters could benefit businesses

Smoking cessation support in the workplace may be an attractive investment for many employers, and could help deliver a happier, healthier and more productive workforce, according to the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Ben Willmott, Employee Relations Adviser at the CIPD, said: “Employee well-being is rising up the agenda for many employers. A healthy, happy workforce is likely to be a more productive one. Employers who understand the health issues facing their employees, and who are able to offer innovative approaches to promoting good health can reap the benefits, not just in terms of reduced absence, but also in terms of a workforce that is more effective and more productive.

“Clearly each employer will need to consider what is right for their business. But, having considered the available options, many employers may well conclude that offering smoking cessation support in the workplace will work for their business. When you add together time taken for smoking breaks, and time taken off due to smoking related illness, the few hours of employee time and small amount of money involved in offering this kind of support may well look like an attractive investment.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .