National No Smoking Day

Find out about National No Smoking Day and learn how employers can support staff to quit smoking for good, improve their health, and create a cleaner workplace.

The value of supporting employees to quit smoking

Helping employees quit smoking benefits both individuals and businesses. Employers who support smoking cessation can: 

• Improve employee health 

• Increase workplace productivity and engagement 

• Lower absences and sick leave due to smoking-related illnesses 

• Create a cleaner, healthier work environment for everyone 

• Strengthen their reputation as an employer that values staff wellbeing 

Why quitting smoking matters in the workplace

Smoking affects employees’ health, productivity, and financial wellbeing. Common workplace impacts of smoking include: 

• Increased risk of serious illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer 

• Reduced energy levels and concentration 

• Higher levels of stress and anxiety due to nicotine dependence 

• Frequent smoking breaks disrupting workflow and productivity 

• Financial strain on employees, with smoking costing thousands of pounds per year 

Making National No Smoking Day engaging and inclusive

Encourage employees to take part in National No Smoking Day with these initiatives:

Be supportive

Set up a workplace quit group or buddy system. Where possible, allow flexible breaks

Bring in an expert

Partner with local stop-smoking services for support sessions.

Share success stories

Highlight employees who have successfully quit to inspire others.

Ways employers can support National No Smoking Day

Here are some ways to support National No Smoking Day in your workplace:

• Share posters, emails, and inspiring success stories to motivate employees quit smoking
• Signpost staff to the NHS stop-smoking Help Me Quit
• Encourage open conversations about quitting smoking without pressure or judgment
• Recognise progress and encourage persistence.

Get involved

Find out more about National No Smoking Day and get resources to use in your workplace on the ASH Wales website.

Support employees with the Help Me Quit service

Help Me Quit is a free NHS service designed to support smokers to quit for good. It includes regular check-ups and free stop- smoking medication.

• Employers in Wales can promote this service by:
• Displaying Help Me Quit posters and leaflets in staff areas.
• Including Help Me Quit links in internal emails, newsletters or intranet.

Encouraging managers to signpost employees to available support.

Visit Help Me Quit to find local services and resources for your employees.

• Campaign