Summary: | Introduction
Workplaces are important settings for implementation of smoke-free
environments. In this study, we follow a medical production company with 677
employees that implemented one of the most stringent tobacco policies legally
possible in Denmark – smoke-free work hours – which means that employees
are not allowed to smoke during work time. This study explores tobacco use
restrictions during work hours regarding readiness of implementation, focusing
specifically on middle managers’ perceptions and considerations, as well as their
perceived responsibility in enforcing these.
Methods
A case study is presented. Two focus groups of 10 middle managers were
conducted, seven months before smoke-free work hours were implemented. The
facilitators used open-ended questions, which consisted of a structured section
with specific themes related to the implementation of smoke-free work hours.
Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically.
Results
We identified five main themes: 1) Benefits of the new policy due to better
health, lower sickness-related absences, increased productivity, and improved
branding value; 2) Social interactions across smoking status; 3) Smoking is a
private matter with ethical dimensions; 4) The role of middle managers and
concerns about enforcement; and 5) Limited experience with resistance from
the smoking employees.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that workplaces in the preparation phase should
ensure that: 1) The middle managers gain training on how to talk with employees
about smoking cessation; 2) The middle managers are equipped to handle the
new policy and have a joint vision and understanding of why and how they should
enforce it; and 3) Room is made for discussions on resistance and enforcementrelated
challenges as well as ethical issues.
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