Smoking and the Workplace: Issues and Answers for Human Resources Professionals

Smoking is the most important preventable health problem in the world today. In a book that is as provocative as it is balanced and authoritative, the authors explore the background of the current smoking controversy that has led to heightened awareness of the dangers of smoking to both smokers and nonsmokers alike.

They emphasize the many difficult and delicate issues that this controversy presents to human resources professionals and provide the information necessary to deal with it effectively. The book begins with an overview of the smoking controversy, paying attention to both contemporary issues and emerging trends.

The full costs of smoking to employers are discussed and documented with current research findings. Also considered are the changing attitudes of society as a whole toward smoking and the specific positions of numerous public and private sector agencies. To provide balance, the authors present the Tobacco Institute's position on smoking and health.

For managers who would like to control or eliminate workplace smoking entirely, successful programs, such as the one implemented by U.S. West Communications, are analyzed in-depth. The foreword to the book was written by Senator Orrin G. Hatch, a supporter of the Smoking Prevention Health and Education Act of 1983 and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco and Health Education Act.

Smoking and the Workplace will help to see a smokefree workplace from the benefits perspective of healthy employees, a productive workforce, a congenial workplace, and an opportunity to involve everyone in a worthwhile outcome.