Iowa businesses can benefit significantly from adopting tobacco-free policies, in terms of quality of your life and quality of work. Tobacco is responsible for an estimated $1 billion in productivity losses in Iowa.

By creating tobacco-free workplace policies, business leaders across Iowa are taking an active role in improving the health of their employees. Tobacco-free policies comprehensively eliminate all forms of tobacco use in company buildings, on company grounds, and in company-owned, leased or rented vehicles. A comprehensive policy would also include addressing the personal needs of employees who use tobacco but are interested in quitting.

Be More Than Smoke-Free

One of the main reasons tobacco-free, not simply smoke-free, company policies are a priority is because smokers may replace cigarettes with spit tobacco products during times when smoking is prohibited. Health advocates do not recommend smokers trading one addiction or tobacco product for another.

Although there are many questions that arise when considering tobacco use policies (designating tobacco use areas, ventilation systems, enforcement procedures, etc.), the most effective policy change you can make is to create a comprehensive tobacco-free workplace. Such a policy can:

• Positively impact the health of both tobacco users and non-tobacco users
• Increase workplace productivity
• Save the company in insurance and liability costs

Your Employees Will Thank You

Many times a policy change motivates tobacco users to finally quit after years of addiction. Many of Iowa's leading businesses and hospitals have committed to a tobacco-free policy; many others are in the process of implementing a plan, and hundreds more are considering a change.

Our staff would be happy to sit down with you and share more information about tobacco-free worksite policies. Please contact us to learn how this can positively impact the health of your staff and financial bottom line of your company.