- Seventy percent of current smokers say they want to quit.
- Fifty-two percent tried to quit for at least one day during the past year.
- Six percent actually succeeded at becoming smoke free.2
Smokers cost employers more money through increased sick days and decreased productivity ($96 billion). These costs can be reduced, and even avoided, through tobacco cessation programs offered to employers and their employees.
LifeSynch, a wholly owned Humana Inc. subsidiary, offers various workplace wellness programs to help employees improve their health and well-being and help both the employee and the employer lower health care costs. LifeSynch’s programs are unique because of a personalized, goal-oriented and counseling-based approach. Personal coaches provide the amount of support that best fits the member’s needs and provides the support in a manner that best fits the member’s lifestyle, be it by phone, e-mail, online chat or web portal. The coach supports the member every step of the way, which is crucial in successfully meeting the set goal.
In fact, LifeSynch’s tobacco cessation program sees an average 60-percent success rate after only 30 days in the program. One success story highlights Gary, an Arkansas native who smoked three packs a day for 33 years. After engaging with LifeSynch’s tobacco cessation program and working with his LifeSynch personal health coach – a critical key to his success – Gary quit smoking and celebrates his first anniversary smoke free this month.
Gary provides hope for those pledging to quit smoking on Nov. 17 in conjunction with the 36th Annual Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, which was created to help encourage smokers to quit. Today is an opportunity for employers to help encourage their employees to pledge to quit smoking – or to make a plan to quit. By doing so, employers are taking an important step towards improving the health and well-being of their workforce, and reducing costs in lost productivity and health expenses.
Gary’s coach, Ramona, was an integral part to his success, serving as his main support system throughout his journey. Gary was able to confide in and reach out to Ramona during the most physically and mentally challenging times during his quit, knowing he would receive encouragement and support without judgment. With LifeSynch’s help, Gary has regained control of his health.
With help from LifeSynch and the Great American Smokeout, employers can help employees beat the habit!
Pledge to quit smoking – or make a plan to quit – with the Great American Smokeout.
1 American Cancer Society
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, November 2011
