Why Supporting Smoking Cessation in the Workplace Is a Smart Investment for Every Employer

Every October, the UK marks Stoptober, the national health promotion campaign designed to encourage smokers to quit for 28 days — a milestone proven to greatly increase the chances of stopping for good. For employers, Stoptober represents a valuable opportunity to promote healthier habits, improve workforce wellbeing, and reduce the significant costs associated with smoking-related illness and absenteeism.

Smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of illness in the UK, contributing to heart disease, cancer, respiratory conditions, and reduced overall health. For businesses, the impact is substantial: higher sickness absence, increased insurance costs, reduced productivity, and greater risk of long-term health issues among employees. But with targeted workplace health promotion, employers can play a powerful role in helping staff make meaningful, lasting changes.

This is where Workplace Health MOT’s Health Promotion Sessions offer immense value. Each session gives employees a focused, personalised check-in with qualified health professionals, covering key health indicators and lifestyle habits — including smoking. These sessions help identify risk factors early, encourage behaviour change, and empower employees to make informed decisions about their health.

A typical Workplace Health MOT includes:

• Blood pressure check – identifying early signs of hypertension and cardiovascular strain.

• Height, weight and BMI – supporting conversations around obesity, metabolic health, and lifestyle habits.

• Cholesterol testing – detecting imbalances that can contribute to heart disease and stroke.

• Diabetes screening (finger prick test) – highlighting blood sugar concerns and the risk of type 2 diabetes.

• Cardiovascular risk factor assessment – giving individuals a clearer picture of their long-term health.

• Lifestyle discussion – covering smoking, physical activity, diet, sleep, stress, and steps to improve wellbeing.

The lifestyle discussion is where smoking cessation naturally fits in. By combining clinical insights with supportive, non-judgemental guidance, the session encourages employees to reflect on their habits, understand the health implications, and explore strategies to quit. Many smokers simply need the right moment and the right encouragement — and Stoptober provides exactly that motivational boost.

For employers, promoting smoking cessation is not just a health initiative; it’s a sound business strategy. Smokers are statistically more likely to experience respiratory illness, fatigue, and long-term health complications. They also tend to take more breaks and have higher levels of absenteeism. Helping employees quit can reduce sick days, improve energy levels, and create a safer, healthier working environment.

Beyond productivity, supporting employees in their personal health journeys builds a culture of care. When organisations actively invest in health promotion — especially through proactive measures like WorkplaceHealth MOT sessions — it sends a strong message: your wellbeing matters here. This strengthens morale, enhances engagement, and boosts retention.

Now is the perfect time for businesses to encourage smoking cessation and empower staff with the knowledge, tools, and motivation to improve their health. Workplace Health MOT’s comprehensive health promotion sessions provide an ideal framework to start meaningful conversations and support lasting behaviour change.