When implementing a new employee wellness program, it is important to maintain respect for those who have trouble adapting and especially for those who do not wish to participate. The subject of smoking is particularly contentious, as it is clearly an unhealthy habit, but remains a popular one.
Employees want to smoke and will likely be irritated if a wellness program penalizes them for it. But on the other hand, heavy smoking can end up costing employers money, as they are forced to foot the majority of the excess healthcare costs that may stem from smoking.
In these circumstances, it is important to tread lightly. For example, Missouri State University is attempting to implement a campus-wide ban on tobacco products by 2012 for both students and employees.
Although the MSU program is hotly debated, many employees have stepped up seeking help to quit smoking – a further incentive for the program's proponents.
"We really try to be respectful to both smokers and nonsmokers," Sheila Bowen, MSU's employee wellness coordinator, told the Springfield News Leader.
But, Bowen believes the health of students and employees is of greater concern.
"There's not one benefit for smoking: not financial, not health, not status," she added.
