Your company is considering introducing a No-Smoking policy.  You have been asked to give your opinions on this policy.

Discuss and decide together:

l        What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a No-Smoking policy in a company

l        How the company could deal with any objections from staff who are smokers

B: Good. I don’t smoke anyway.  I figure the overall advantages outweigh disadvantages.

A: Well, as I see it, one of the major drawbacks of smoking is health concern. In this regard, a No-Smoking Policy appropriately addresses this issue.

B: I couldn’t agree more. The damages smoking poses to health need no further clarification, I think. Oh, yeah, another advantage in having the policy in place will be the reduction of fire hazard, don’t you think so?

A: Without doubt. Even though all our buildings are equipped with sprinklers right now.  Still…

B: Still more, smoking is ethically and aesthetically quite unacceptable to the vast majority of our staff members, I would suppose.  So banning smoking on our premises will definitely upgrade our company culture and, consequently, enhance our staff retention.

A: There’s something in what you said, I suppose.  But of course there will be many other factors in our effort to retain the best staff.

B: Of course, don’t forget there are people who won’t like this policy. They may feel their freedom is being limited. 

A: That’s a possible disadvantage.  Some staff members will feel marginalized. 

B: Yeah, I think so too.  But what could the company possibly do to deal with objections from smokers?

A: The most effective thing to do will be to let smoking staff undergo health education in order to increase awareness of the harms inherent in smoking.

B: That’s just what I was thinking about. I think we can let the HR department sponsor an educational programme and possibly invite some external health experts.

A: Sure. Also senior management should set a good example and let it be seen that their attitude toward smoking is one of steadfast disapproval.

B: Yeah, any decision requires resolve, that’s for sure.  But we must be careful not to hurt the feelings of smoking employees. 

A: Right. All measures should be introduced gradually, and patience will become a virtue in this matter. Everything must be done resolutely, yet with a human touch.

B: I couldn’t have put it better myself.