Organizational factors affecting smoking at work: Results from focus group interviews with smokers and ex-smokers

A theoretical model addressing worksite factors affecting health behaviors was applied to data from focus group interviews. Organizational factors that might have influenced implementation of restrictive smoking policies at two social welfare districts were identified. There was greater policy awareness at the district where active dissemination of information took place. However, greater policy awareness was not associated with patterns of on-the-job smoking or support for/barriers to quitting. Instead specific patterns associated with general organizational characteristics, job characteristics and work role stress emerged. Findings suggest that changes in policy formulation and application which take into account work itself and not only the worker are warranted.