I was delighted to hear that St Pancras & Humanist Housing Association has convinced its staff to quit smoking by offering 拢100 inducements (Social Animal, 5 September, page 19).
At Irwell Valley we introduced a give up smoking policy in April 2001. We offer 拢300 to colleagues who give up smoking for a period of six months; if they start smoking after that, they have to pay us back.

Our advice would be to situate such policies in the overall context of employees' personal development, happiness and well-being.

This involves a commitment to physical fitness, personal awareness, self-development, relaxation, emotional support and healthy living. Our programme includes keep-fit, pilates, massage, vocal coaching, dancing, swimming, slimming, yoga, gym membership, healthcare, a dental plan and a birthday policy.

Our sickness rate is less than 2% and more than nine out of 10 members of staff say they are proud to work for Irwell Valley, according to our latest colleague survey.

Source

Housing Today

Postscript

Liz Atkinson, head of personal well-being Irwell Valley Housing Association, Manchester