Is altering hiring practices appropriate?
A growing number of employers have decided not to hire smokers, including the American Cancer Society and the Union Pacific Railroad. Not hiring smokers does not directly benefit smokers, but it has clear direct benefits in terms of worker productivity and medical costs. A small number of companies have fired employees who smoke. This has attracted much visibility and numerous legal challenges. How can you make these policies succeed? Any new smoking policy should include support, such as smoking cessation programs to help smokers quit. Implementing a smoke-free workplace will increase the number of people who try to quit. The key to success is an approach that combines expert advice and medication. Regardless of the policy an employer chooses, there are four factors that contribute to success. One, the leadership team should have a unified message regarding the policy and announce it to employees. Two, employees, including smokers and nonsmokers, should be engaged to determine how to
