Vaping in the Workplace: Implications for Employer-Sponsored Tobacco Cessation Programs

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Workplace vaping is an emerging concern with potential links to tobacco use.
• Understanding the impact of workplace vaping on smoking habits and cessation needs is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess workplace vaping as a trigger for tobacco use.
• To examine employee interest in and the prevalence of workplace vaping cessation programs.
• To determine the needs of parents whose children engage in vaping.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to 1607 employees aged 18-65 from companies with over 150 employees.
• Data was collected in November 2019 from an opt-in national online panel.

Main Results:

• 46%-48% of current tobacco users reported workplace vaping as a trigger for smoking and vaping, respectively.
• 85% of employees expressed the importance of quitting vaping support, yet only one-third of workplaces offer such programs.
• Approximately one-third of parents reported presenteeism and absenteeism due to their child's vaping.

Conclusions:

• Workplace vaping acts as a significant trigger for both smoking and vaping among current and former tobacco users.
• A notable disparity exists between employee demand for vaping cessation support and the availability of employer-sponsored programs.