Quality of Work Life — What if your boss helped you to quit?

Work, a place where one wants to thrive

Today, employees are increasingly demanding of their employers; the company has become a place to live, a community in which we seek satisfying and fulfilling work, and which also allows us to build strong relationships. Work is no longer just a way to earn a living. It is, at the same time, a way to thrive, to learn, to develop personally… to be happy!

QWL, a competitive lever for companies

While employees see real benefits in working in a company that cares about their well-being and their health, the company itself also benefits from the implementation of QWL measures.

In fact, an employer who invests in the health and well-being of his employees benefits first of all from a strong attractiveness as an employer, but also regarding his customers. It reflects a positive image of a serious and committed company.

In addition, an employee who feels good at work is an employee that is present! Yet absenteeism represents a certain cost for companies. According to a Health and Well-being at Work Survey (2019), the average duration of sick leave in the UK was 5.9 days per year per employee. Although this number is relatively low, 83% of the respondents of the survey say that people "work unwell".

As a matter of fact, an employee's well-being and good physical condition have an impact on his work; a healthy employee is more concentrated and therefore more efficient and productive, according to a American study.

By getting involved in the health of its employees, a company ensures their attendance, and this attendance allows for better follow-up and strong involvement on the part of employees in the missions entrusted to them.

Quality of Life at Work is a win-win situation!

Quality of Life at Work is therefore a concept that benefits both the company and those who work there, as long as that there is a commitment on both sides. There are many ways for an employer to implement QWL measures, depending on the needs and expectations of its workers: this can range from the layout of the workplace to the sports hall, including vocational or personal development training, access to free daycare for employees' children or regular assessments between employee and manager to ensure personal development.

Simply put, QWL is based on one principle: personal development, health and well-being of employees boost the company's performance.

But what is the connection with smoking?

According to an American study, almost 70% of smokers reported in 2015 that they wanted to quit. This is a good thing, since a smoker employee represents an extra cost of an average of 5800$ per year for his company. This is linked in particular to illness leave, cigarette breaks, but also to concentration difficulties linked to nicotine consumption.

Health is also a key dimension of QWL. This explains, for example, the presence of occupational physicians, the offer made by some companies to their employees to take a nap or do yoga at work, the awareness against addictions, etc. So why not a company that supports smokers willing to quit?

Support at rest is also part of the Quality of Work Life, since it contributes to the well-being of employees and considerably improves their health on the one hand, and on the other hand it boosts the company's performance, with employees who are more productive and confident, less sick, and feeling better about themselves after having been freed from this addiction!

Quitting smoking at work is possible!

Smoking is often part of a routine, especially at work, and it is normal to fear giving up this routine; you are used to smoking with your colleagues, taking regular breaks, and smoking is often associated with relaxation. So it's hard to give up all this.

The good news is that even without cigarettes, you can maintain this routine, exchanges with colleagues, regular breaks to clear your mind and relax! In the long term, you will be even more relaxed by having eliminated cigarettes from your daily routine. Without tobacco, you will also be even more productive, and thus proud and invested in your projects. You'll find new ways to free your mind, such as taking breaks to go for a walk in a smoke-free park for instance.

So if you are willing to quit smoking, don't let your fears get in the way; they are manageable, and smoking cessation will benefit you as much as your work and even your firm.

If you want your boss to finally help you in this, don't hesitate to talk to him about Kwit and its program dedicated to companies!