The COVID-19 pandemic has brought even more attention to the dangers of tobacco. Employers can protect their workplaces – and educate employees – by participating in free, virtual tobacco strategy consultations.

Consultations are presented by the Wellness Council of Indiana (WCI), in cooperation with the Indiana State Department of Health, Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Commission.

WCI staff is providing personalized consulting services to help organizations expand their wellness initiatives.

“Based on current research, experts are warning that people with compromised health due to smoking or vaping may have an increased risk of developing serious complications associated with COVID-19,” remarks Ashley O’Rourke, WCI director of community and employer engagement. “Now is the best time to help your employees to quit tobacco use in order to keep their bodies resilient against disease.”

Among topics:

  • Tobacco prevention and cessation guidelines for the workplace
  • Access to best practices
  • Discussion of comprehensive benefit plan design to support individuals trying to quit

Eight companies, totaling nearly 1,700 employees, are taking part thus far. Organizations of all sizes are eligible and encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity.

Apply.

In addition, the WCI is offering virtual diabetes strategy consultations to support high-risk employees and others. Tools include allowing flexibility when possible, limiting exposure at work and staying up to date on the latest recommendations. Selected worksites will have access to best practices and guidelines for diabetes prevention and diabetes management. The consultations will also cover the impact of a comprehensive benefit plan design to support individuals with diabetes.

Thirty companies, representing more than 55,000 employees, have already taken part.

Apply.

Every consultation looks different since WCI strives to meet employers where they are in their wellness journey. Common questions/trends in companies large and small, however, pertain to gaining management support, strategies on implementing best practices on a low budget and how to include shift or remote workers in a workplace wellness strategy. Input on tobacco consultations revolves around next steps for employees who want to quit smoking, as well as actions to take when implementing a 100% smoke-free grounds policy.

Space for the tobacco and diabetes consultations is limited. They will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Submission of application does not guarantee a consultation.

“Especially now with these populations being at a higher risk for complications from COVID-19, I’ve been so excited that employers are taking it upon themselves to focus on strengthening their wellness landscape to best support their employees,” O’Rourke declares.

Learn more online or by calling (317) 264-2167.