Tobacco free companies - a corporate social responsibility approach

• Main Authors: Vijay Bhasker Yetapu, Janardhan Reddy Ummadi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: European Publishing 2018-03-01
• Series: Tobacco Induced Diseases
• Subjects: WCTOH
• Online Access: http://www.journalssystem.com/tid/Tobacco-free-companies-a-corporate-social-responsibility-approach,84608,0,2.html

Background Research shows that when employers implement a Tobacco free policy, tobacco users are more likely to quit. Looking after the well being of the employees is an essential and indispensable part of any organization. As Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become mandatory in India, we have conducted Healthy and Happy Living workshops under CSR activity for several public and private sector companies in 3 states and 13 districts of India. Methods The objective was to encourage employees and their family members to focus on key health behaviors such as increasing physical activity, improving eating habits, reducing stress, and ceasing tobacco and alcohol use among addicts. Conducted workshops under CSR activity for Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Ltd, covering seven power plants located in 8 districts, delivered 72 Sessions for the employees, family members, students and villagers. Conducted similar workshops for Exel Rubber Ltd in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh covering 5 districts, delivered 28 Sessions on Tobacco and Alcohol Awareness for the employees of five manufacturing units. Conducted workshops for DQ Entertainment Ltd and delivered 20 sessions for the associates and CSR team. We have spread the awareness about harms of Smoking, Chewing Tobacco on health and environment. Results Awareness through creative videos and innovative posters along with effective presentation in regional language has helped in achieving a better outcome. In house medical staff has supported the addicts in quitting process. Family members who attended the workshop have decided to keep their homes Tobacco Free for protecting the other family members from SHS. The Heads of the plant have released notices to all employees and the shop owners on prohibition of smoking in public places and to ban the sale of tobacco in their plants. [VChangeU_CSR] Conclusions The success of these workshops attributed to conduct similar workshops in other companies through CSR approach.