smokefree businesses
As well as the damaging effects on the health of employees, it is widely recognised that smoking has a damaging impact on the productivity of businesses and to the wider Welsh economy.
Summary
As well as the damaging effects on the health of employees, it is widely recognised that smoking has a damaging impact on the productivity of businesses and to the wider Welsh economy.
Economic cost to businesses
Research we carried out in 2012 revealed that smoking was costing Welsh businesses an estimated £88.4m a year, putting added pressure on already cash-strapped companies.
This figure includes loss of productivity through smoking breaks; loss of workforce through excess sickness absence due to smoking-related illness; and damage to premises through smoking-related fires, all of which are having a significant impact on Welsh businesses. Smoking breaks alone are estimated to cost Welsh businesses £39.5m a year.
The Welsh Contact Centre Forum announced that smoking-related sick leave costs their sector £1.6m a year in Wales . The contact centre industry in Wales employs 30,000 people; this equates to 9,000 smokers.
Why go smokefree?
Making a business smokefree and by supporting staff to quit smoking for good offers numerous financial and health benefits all round.
Reduce time lost through smoking breaks
Reduce absences due to illness. Improve the overall health of employees
Reduce the risks and costs related to smoking-related fires
Reduce air pollution in and around entrances
