My workplace recently broke news that a new anti-smoking policy will take effect this fall. Employees and all patients/visitors will be prohibited from smoking anywhere on company property. This will be a big change for employees who smoke outside on their breaks and visitors who go outside "for a smoke".
I think its a good thing. I abhor smoke and smoking. However, this brings up a huge debate about personal freedom. Employees are pretty much being forced to quit smoking (or find a new job). Other companies (especially health care institutions) have already implemented this type of policy.
Some employers are requiring employees that smoke to pay a higher percentage of their health care insurance premium. The logic is sound: smokers have higher health care costs. BUT (and this is big) so do those who are overweight or obese. Many of the most common chronic diseases and causes of rising health care costs are weight-related. Shouldn't people that have high cholesterol or eat french fries every day also pay higher premiums. Smoking and eating high fat foods are both personal behavior choices, right?
I'm glad smoking is becoming more taboo and I'm glad that I will be able to walk into work without inhaling second-hand smoke. But, hey, while your at it, please get rid of the soda machines and donuts!
Where do we draw the line? Does your workplace have any sort of policies about this?
I think its a good thing. I abhor smoke and smoking. However, this brings up a huge debate about personal freedom. Employees are pretty much being forced to quit smoking (or find a new job). Other companies (especially health care institutions) have already implemented this type of policy.
Some employers are requiring employees that smoke to pay a higher percentage of their health care insurance premium. The logic is sound: smokers have higher health care costs. BUT (and this is big) so do those who are overweight or obese. Many of the most common chronic diseases and causes of rising health care costs are weight-related. Shouldn't people that have high cholesterol or eat french fries every day also pay higher premiums. Smoking and eating high fat foods are both personal behavior choices, right?
I'm glad smoking is becoming more taboo and I'm glad that I will be able to walk into work without inhaling second-hand smoke. But, hey, while your at it, please get rid of the soda machines and donuts!
Where do we draw the line? Does your workplace have any sort of policies about this?
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