Re: NO SMOKERS ALLOWED ON STAFF

From: Buzzy
Email: Buzzie70@hotmail.com
Date: May 23, 2007

Comments

This was a tough one. In 2001 I was searching for resources on second hand smoke. We had an infant that would come in reeking of smoke. I found a study done in New Zealand that showed children whose parents smoked in the vicinity of their children had almost the same level of toxins in their blood as parents that smoked outdoors or not in the presence of their children. The children through the parent’s clothes, hair, breath and skin were absorbing the chemical additives. I decided to share that with the staff and try to sell the no tobacco idea.

It was a tough sell but I had the support of the ED and our board of directors. We decided to have a 6-month phase in period. I supplied gum, patches, nicotine gum, inhalers, a trip to the hypnotist and a bowl of goodies. We had an incentive that anyone would did quit smoking for 6 months would receive $50.00 and their non smoking co worker would get $50.00 for supporting them and dealing with their mood swings.

Our organization also gave teachers the option of transferring out of the classroom if they we unsuccessful or did not want to quit smoking. Out of the 5 staff members that smoked one resigned, one resigned after six months one has been completely cigarette free for 5 years, and two have been cigarette free for 4 years.

We are a smoke free employer. We are very upfront about our expectations and have let people go during their probationary period that have violated our policy.