Today is the great American smokeout

Thursday is the Great American Smokeout and the health departments in Franklin and Gulf counties are urging local businesses to help their employees kick the habit.

Employees who smoke can cost businesses more than $6,000 per year when compared to non-smokers.

Tobacco Free Franklin offers employers free assistance in developing tobacco cessation programs, whether it’s through the company’s health insurance provider or the state’s free cessation services.

Nearly 70 percent of smokers want to quit, and getting help through their employers can increase their chance of success while simultaneously benefiting the business.

On average, health care costs for employees who smoke are up to 34 percent higher compared to non-smokers.

Tobacco use is also the leading cause of productivity loss at work.

Each smoker can cost a business an average of $4,056 every year in lost productivity including sick days, distraction at work, and smoking breaks.

Businesses who want to help their employees quit tobacco should also implement a tobacco free grounds policy at their workplace; Tobacco free grounds policies nearly double the chance that employees will quit.

For more information, please contact Gina Moore at the Franklin County Health department at 653-2111 Ext 123 or e-mail her at gina.moore@flhealth.gov. 

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