Smoking Cessation Program

Lynn

I have received a suggestion from an employee regarding the implementation of a smoking cessation program. Does anyone currently have this policy in effect? If so how do you keep benefits fair between non-smokers and smokers? So far that is the only disadvantage I can think of. Thank you.

System

Here's a link to a past Employers Forum thread on this topic:

[url]http://www.hrhero.com/employersforum/DCForumID14/60.html[/url]

Margaret Morford

I wouldn't worry so much about the equality. This is no different than offering financial planning classes, weight control classes, etc. The message is that the company wants to encourage you to be healthy, live long and be with us a long time. Check and see if your medical plan covers the patch. If it doesn't, the company may want to reimburse part or all of the cost if the employee remains smoke free for six months. You need to offer the cessation classes in conjunction with this to increase participants' chances of remaining smoke-free. Do not offer reimbursement unless participants attend the classes as well.

Margaret Morford
theHRedge