Developing a Smoking Policy
If your state law requires you to have a written policy on smoking, you'll need to create one. Because smoking is such a controversial subject, give your policy development the serious attention it deserves.
Before you write your policy. Here are a few suggestions for you to consider when you draft your policy:
- Involve employees. Take input from smokers and nonsmokers.
- Research state law and local ordinances.
- Tailor your policy to comply with local law and with the needs of the particular worksite.
- If you change your policy or implement a new policy, give sufficient notice beforehand. It's a major change of habit — allow employees time to adjust.
- Properly communicate the policy.
What to include in your smoking policy. There are several components to a smoking policy that you should consider including:
- A general statement of when and where employees can smoke.
- A statement about where signs indicating smoking and no smoking areas are.
- Information about smoking cessation programs, if you offer them.
- A statement indicating that your business will not discriminate against smokers.
 |
If you'd rather not formulate your own policy, our Business Tools area includes a smoking policy that you can customize for use and post in your business.
|
|
Posting your policy. There are several places where you can post your written policy, but make sure they comply with your state's requirements:
- company bulletin board
- employee changing room, restroom, or locker room
- employee cafeteria, break, or lunch room
- other areas where the employees may easily see the policy, such as a place where employees punch their time cards or record their hours
Check your state's laws to see what is required of your business.
|
