Assisting Employees Who Use Tobacco

If you supervise employees who use tobacco, you may be in a position to provide support for what could be a difficult transition for them. The OHSU Employee Wellness program suggests the following three steps to begin the discussion with employees about this change:

1. Seek input: In the course of a regular one-on-one meeting or conversation, inquire whether the employee is aware of the upcoming change in policy. Allow him/her to lead the direction of the conversation by asking, "What questions do you have about this change?" or "How were you thinking of handling this change?"
   
   
2. Listen and validate: Employees may be upset, worried, scared and/or angry about no longer being able to use tobacco while at work. Allow them to vent these feelings without becoming defensive or offering advice. Let them know you understand how hard this change could be.
   
   
3. Offer support: Ask, "What can I do to help make the change easier?" or "Did you know about the new programs for quitting or managing cravings?" If an employee is interested in exploring their options for quitting tobacco, be sure he/she has access to the information about OHSU's tobacco cessation resources. If an employee is not interested now, leave the door open to offer help later on.