The Great American Smokeout is November 20th

Employers concerned about their employees may be able to improve their health and help them be more productive by creating tobacco-free workplaces. Many state and local governments now require workplaces to be smoke-free. Making your workplace completely tobacco-free can have an even greater impact. Both tobacco user and non-user employees may be helped by such policies.

For the employer:

• A tobacco-free environment helps create a safer, healthier workplace.
• Direct health care costs to the company may be reduced.
• A clear plan that is carefully put into action by the employer to lower employees’ exposure to secondhand smoke shows the company cares.
• Employees may be less likely to miss work due to tobacco-related illnesses.
• Maintenance costs go down when tobacco, smoke, matches, and cigarette butts are taken out of work facilities.
• Office equipment, carpets, and furniture last longer.
• The risk of fires is lower.
• It may be possible to get lower rates on health, life, and disability insurance coverage as fewer employees use tobacco