BACKGROUND AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES: The total employment in Hong Kong over 3.8 million, accounting for more than 55% of Hong Kong population. As Hong Kong people generally work longer hours, workplace being one of the locations where employees spend most of their time every day. However, corporates seldom put tobacco control or smoke-free promotion at the top of their agenda.
INTERVENTION OR RESPONSE: Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health encouraged the business sector to implement smoke-free measures in the workplace through the Hong Kong Smoke-free Leading Company Awards which assisted corporates to set clear objectives for smoke-free policies and measures to promote smoking cessation among their stakeholders to foster an all-win situation for employees, employers and the society.
RESULTS AND IMPACT: Since 2011, the Awards has attracted over 1,530 forward-looking companies or organizations from a variety of industries to join, including large companies, small and medium enterprises, government departments and non-governmental organizations, benefiting over 307,000 employees and other stakeholders, including the public.
In 2024, the Awards received full support from 65 chambers of commerce and organizations from different industries, mobilizing 730 companies/organizations to spread smoke-free messages among more than 150,000 employees. Outstanding companies were commemorated for their effective smoke-free measures and set as industry role models.
CONCLUSIONS: It is important to engage and empower different sectors of the community to maximize the impact and effectiveness of smoke-free promotion and tobacco control. Support from industry associations was crucial to raise awareness and boost participation of the business sector. Guidelines and promotion collaterals shall be provided to facilitate companies in planning and implementing smoke-free policies. Reward and buddy scheme would strengthen employees’ quit willpower and support their needs. The establishment of various awards would encourage organizations in cultivating a competitive mindset, enabling them to design and implement diverse smoke-free policies more effectively.