Worksite smoking cessation initiatives: review and recommendations

Abstract

Offering health lifestyle change assistance in the workplace represents a major challenge for behavioral scientists and behavior therapists in the 1980's. Business and industry are showing special interest in employee smoking cessation. This paper reviews a wide range of worksite smoking cessation activities and related research. Six types of intervention are discussed: educational campaigns; policies restricting workplace smoking; self-help programs; physical examination and physician advice; incentive programs; and actual smoking cessation services. Existing research is critically reviewed. Practical recommendations for improving and systematically evaluating worksite quit smoking initiatives are presented.