Every cigarette break damage more than lungs; it drains profits, too. Researchers at The Ohio State University have found that the average smoker costs his or her employer approximately $6,000, per year, thanks to higher medical claims and lost productivity.
How is such a huge cost possible? It’s largely driven by nicotine and other carcinogens found in tobacco products— highly addictive substances that quietly damage the heart, lungs, and brain, while significantly raising the risk of cancer.
What Nicotine Usage Does to the Body — in a Nutshell
Most people have heard smoking isn’t good for you, but many can’t identify how. Unfortunately, nicotine use can affect some of the body’s most crucial systems, including:
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- Heart & Blood Vessels: Regular nicotine ingestion raises blood pressure, speeds heart rate, and stiffens arteries—paving the way for heart attacks and strokes.
- Lungs: Smoking is the #1 cause of lung cancer and a major trigger for chronic bronchitis, asthma, and other breathing disorders.
- Mind & Mood: It can also increase anxiety and depression; withdrawal brings irritability, fatigue, and brain fog.
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Beyond cigarettes, vaping and oral tobacco still pose serious health risks—from nicotine addiction to cancer and gum damage.
Why Companies Should Care
For employers, it might seem like a hassle or a big investment to encourage employees to stop smoking, but the risks go beyond an individual’s health:
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- Soaring Health-Care Costs – Smoking adds about $2,100 in extra medical claims per employee each year, contributing to an overall $6,000 annual cost spike, according to Ohio State University research.
- Lost Productivity – A routine of four 10-minute smoke breaks translates to 12 lost workdays per year, and smokers take 2.3 additional sick days, costing thousands in wages and output.
- Turnover & Morale – Smokers have a 31 % higher risk of sickness absence and miss ~2.9 more days annually, placing extra burden on coworkers, disrupting workflow, and draining team energy.
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Quit-Smart Strategies to Share with Your Team
If members of your workforce are ready to quit, remind them they don’t have to go it alone. Encouraging even small, daily healthy actions can make a big difference—leading to longer, healthier lives.
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- Delay the Urge – Cravings peak in five minutes; distract yourself and the wave subsides.
- Swap Stress Relievers – Deep breathing, a brisk walk, or quick stretches beat a cigarette every time.
- Identify Triggers – Stressful deadlines or high-pressure tasks, break time routines —know yours and plan a healthy substitute.
- Never “Just One” – One puff rekindles the cycle; stay all-in on quitting.
- Leverage Support – Nicotine-replacement therapy, counseling, cessation programs and peer groups double success rates.
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A Clear First Step for Employers
While low-cost strategies like education and support help lay the foundation, employers seeking a more structured approach may consider incorporating nicotine testing into biometric health screening events—using either a quick oral swab (with instant results) or a simple blood draw. This data can then be paired with personalized coaching, digital tools, and incentives like premium discounts for non-users or those actively working to quit, forming the basis of an effective outcomes-based program.
Bottom line: Helping employees kick nicotine utilization isn’t just a good health policy—it’s sound business strategy that leads to fewer claims, sharper minds, stronger morale. The sooner you act, the sooner everyone breathes easier. Start a conversation with us to learn more.