Member Article

Staff habit goes up in smoke

Employees at an award winning local company watched their habit go up in smoke, thanks to the firm’s free smoking cessation programme. The staff from Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East, who between them would smoke over 1000 cigarettes each week are now smoke free, after attending the weekly cessation programme.

Led by a specialist advisor from the local Primary Care Trust (PCT) the classes are hosted at FHM’s Newcastle Office, which is responsible for delivering the company’s contract with Your Homes Newcastle. Attending the classes during working hours, candidates receive advice about health and how smoking can affect relationships and individuals’ finances. In addition participants receive reduced priced Nicotine replacement aids. With over 10 staff now signed up to the course FHM is looking to roll out the programme across its North East offices.

Dave Mellor managing director with FHM North East said: “The benefits of this programme are numerous. As a company committed to the well being of our staff by providing this service we are able to help employees improve their quality of life and general health. It’s estimated that on average five hours are lost per week for an individuals smoking breaks, so from a business perspective, in theory, productivity may well increase.”

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