Tuesday 19th June 2007
Smart bosses will boost their profits with the July 1st smoking ban – by actively helping their staff to quit the fags together.
Employees who smoke take more time off, have a shorter attention span, and are more stressed, according to stress expert Ann McCracken of AMC Mentoring.
She believes the smoking ban is the biggest opportunity English firms have ever had to help staff quit and the increase in productivity will boost companies’ profits.
Ann said: “We’re hearing reports every day about ways businesses are responding to the ban, for example a third of bosses are planning to get rid of cigarette breaks.
“Responsible employers recognise that making it difficult for staff to smoke is not going to improve their business in any way. Instead they will actively work with them to help them quit – and then stay off cigarettes.”
Lighting up in enclosed public places – including all workplaces – will be illegal from July 1st. Anyone caught will get a £50 on the spot fine, or worse, a court summons.
Ann’s firm AMC Mentoring has developed Smokewatching, the UK’s first programme to help employees work together to quit.
It can be paid for by companies, who let employees take part in free group sessions during or after work time, or they can pay for it themselves. Employees are encouraged to support each other to beat the evil weed.
And if anyone feels their willpower failing, they can email an expert 24 hours a day for help to stay strong.
Ann added: “All companies have to make this change now and we can help the transition to be easier and less stressful. That’s a very worthwhile outcome.”
• More information on helping staff quit smoking is available at www.amcmentoring.com
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
• For any further information or interviews, please contact Ann McCracken on 01788 823 316.
• Ann McCracken BSc(hons) MSc ARCPath Dip HSM MISMA is a lecturer, author and broadcaster as well as a trainer and coach. She is vice chair of ISMA, the International Stress Management Association.
• AMC Mentoring operates from several bases around the UK, including in Rugby, Gloucestershire and Essex.