BUPA helps British workers kick the habit

BUPA Wellness has launched an innovative íSmoking Cessationí programme for companies who wish to provide real support for employees who are struggling to keep their New Yearís resolution.

Smokers in the workplace cost employers 1326 annually in lost productivity, absenteeism, medical care and early mortality (discounted lost earnings)*, in addition to spending an estimated 25 minutes of a working day taking smoking breaks. On-site smoking cessation programmes make it easier to implement smoke-free workplaces whilst increasing the health benefits for employees and economic benefits for employers.

BUPA Wellness has developed the unique programme to help people quit smoking and provide them with a full package of support for 12 months. The programme, based on the five stages of behaviour, is designed to help employees build commitment and reach a decision to change. It draws on strategies from client-centred counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and the social psychology of persuasion.

The staggered approach to changing behaviour is an interactive experience which starts with a health assessment and presentation; it also incorporates workshops, health fairs, support emails and text messages. The continuous lifestyle counselling programme enables employees to receive information on the harmful effects of smoking to help them make a healthier choice.

We educate participants on why they smoke alongside the health implications and effects. This new programme looks at whatís in cigarettes and what happens when someone gives up. Participants follow the five behavioural steps of precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and finally maintenance, said Dr. Peter Mace, assistant medical director, BUPA Wellness.

Employers bear the direct and indirect costs as a result of employeesí smoking, these include:

- Increased employee absenteeism
- Decreased productivity on-the-job
- Increased early retirement due to ill health
- Higher annual health and life insurance cost costs for smokers
- Higher maintenance and cleaning costs in smoking areas
- Higher risk of fire damage and other accidents related to smoking
- Higher fire insurance premiums.

Surveys show that many smokers and almost all non-smokers support clean air policies in the work place.

For more information about the BUPA Wellness, please go to www.bupa.co.uk/wellness.