Helping Surrey’s Businesses Go Smokefree: A New Chapter for Workplace Health on National No Smoking Day

“Smoke Free and Healthier Workplaces – A Wellbeing Guide for Surrey Employers” is a practical roadmap specifically designed for sectors like construction, hospitality, and retail, where smoking rates remain high. It’s not just about telling people to quit; it’s about giving managers the confidence to offer "Very Brief Advice", a proven method developed by the National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT) to spark a quit attempt.

Smoking doesn't just impact health; it hits the local economy. Data shows that some £367 million is lost in productivity across Surrey every year due to smoking, with smokers are 33% more likely to take sick days and more frequent breaks, leading to a significant dip in corporate productivity. By creating a supportive culture, businesses can see a direct improvement in their bottom line and their team’s morale.

“Smoking often becomes tied to workplace routines such as breaks, social interaction and stress,” says Sarah Norris, service lead at One You Surrey

“Because of this, the workplace has a powerful influence on smoking behaviour. When employees see colleagues quit, they’re more likely to try themselves. So employers can play a key role in helping staff make positive, long-term changes, whilst, for employers, it can influence productivity, sickness absence and overall staff wellbeing. When workplaces support people to quit, they gain healthier, more engaged teams and see real organisational benefits.”

As One You Surrey has seen, quitting is rarely a solo journey. Research shows that smokers are three times more likely to quit when they combine stop-smoking tools with professional behavioural support rather than relying on willpower alone.:

Sarah Norris adds:

"This guide is a fantastic resource for management teams. Helping your workforce go smokefree is sound business sense, but it also has a massive ripple effect on families. Most people actually want to stop smoking; they just need the right environment to do it.”

One You Surrey is here to bridge the gap between this guide and real-world results. We offer free, tailored support to help Surrey residents kick the habit for good.”

Employers can visit the dedicated One You Surrey landing page https://oneyousurrey.org.uk/employers/ to download the guide and resources, book a training session, or invite the One You Surrey team on site for engagement.