SARASOTA, FL – People spend more time at work than anywhere else and decisions and habits reinforced in a healthy worksite can transcend into other aspects of life. With the New Year upon us, many worksites in Sarasota County may be looking for ways to assist their employees on their journey to health.
One of the best ways that employers can improve the health of their employees is by passing a tobacco free worksite policy. Tobacco free worksites provide benefits to both employees and employers. Tobacco free worksite policies create a safe, healthful worksite, can inspire current smokers to quit, increases awareness of the risks of tobacco use, lowers the risk of fires, prolongs life and quality of office equipment, and increases employee morale by convening that the worksite cares about employee health and the environment.
The Healthy Sarasota County Worksite program, which is administered through the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, designates employers who are carrying out health promotion actions endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proven to improve the health and well-being of their employees, a major component being tobacco control.
Fifteen worksites in Sarasota County have been awarded the Healthy Sarasota County Worksite designation, many of which have tobacco free worksite policies. The designated worksites include: State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, Florida Blue-Sarasota Center, The Florida Center for Early Childhood, Englewood Community Hospital, Venice Golf and Country Club, Crystal Clean Green Cleaning, St. Mark’s Preschool, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System, Tidwell Hospice, Child Care Connection, City of North Port, Children’s World Uniform Supply, the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, and Fleet Feet Sports.
Through the Healthy Sarasota County Worksite Initiative, no-cost wellness consultations and resources are provided. If interested in becoming a Healthy Sarasota County Worksite or passing a tobacco free worksite policy, more information and an application can be found at www.HealthySarasota.com.
Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities.
View the complete policy at www.scgov.net/ADA/Pages/default.aspx.
_______