The Vaping Crisis: 1 In 5 Employees Use E-Cigarettes At Work

The alarming rise of vape and e-cigarette usage among young adults in recent years has captivated public attention, raising serious concerns about youth health. As these devices become more prevalent, their impact extends beyond homes and schools, reaching into workplaces as employers grapple with productivity challenges and employee well-being concerns. 

Amidst this backdrop, working parents face a pressing challenge—how to support their children who have succumbed to this trend. Consequently, the demand for effective smoking cessation programs is on the rise as society recognizes the need for impactful solutions to combat the rise in vaping. 

The intersection of these factors highlights the urgency to explore effective strategies and initiatives that can safeguard the well-being of younger generations while simultaneously shaping a culture of health and productivity. 

This article reveals the harsh realities of vape usage among young adults and teenagers, uncovering its implications for the workplace and offering practical strategies to curb the surge.

Teen Vape Use: Illegal, But Not Impossible

Between 2020 and 2022, e-cigarette sales witnessed a dramatic surge, reaching 22.7 million products sold each month. This spike was driven by the popularity of disposable e-cigarettes and appealing flavors like fruit and candy. 

Despite the FDA’s relentless efforts to curb vaping, illegal products continue to be widely available both online and in stores. With the rapid growth in the vaping market, now hosting approximately 260 brands offering thousands of different options, regulators face an uphill battle. 

Alarming figures expose the reality of e-cigarette usage among young adults and teenagers in the US, thereby raising questions about the effectiveness of current regulations. 

• Over one in 10 young adults in the US regularly use e-cigarettes, with the highest usage among those between 18 and 24 years old. 
• One in five high school students use nicotine products, out of which 14% prefer vaping. 
• 34.2% of current high school e-cigarette users vape at least 20 days per month. 

The sudden rise in teen vaping has sparked concern among health experts due to the potential long-term health risks. While e-cigarettes may be considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes, they still contain nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that can have adverse effects on heart and lung health. The lack of comprehensive research on e-cigarettes and their relatively short presence in the market means the long-term consequences are not yet fully understood. 

To combat the escalating trend of underage usage, experts stress the importance of robust regulation enforcement, thorough retailer inspections, and targeted education for both parents and teenagers about the alarming dangers associated with vaping.

The Unexpected Crossroads: Vaping Epidemic Meets The Workplace

Nearly one in five employees report vaping at work. However, due to its inconspicuous nature, employers may underestimate the magnitude of this addiction and overlook its adverse effects on business success.

Productivity & Performance

Nicotine dependence not only results in frequent vaping breaks, which hinder work output, but it can also disrupt crucial areas of the brain responsible for: 

• Mood 
• Learning 
• Attention 
• Impulse control 

These changes can diminish productivity, performance, and cooperation in the workplace. 

Moreover, the escalation of vaping poses a significant concern for working parents. Many parents may find themselves facing a unique challenge—supporting their teenage children who vape while attempting to maintain focus and productivity at work. The worry and stress associated with their children’s vaping habits may become a distraction, affecting their overall well-being and ability to perform optimally in their roles.

Employee Well-Being

Employee wellness is a predictor of numerous business outcomes, such as employee engagement, customer engagement, turnover, and workplace safety. The short and long-term effects of vaping can be detrimental to employee health and well-being, putting them at increased risk of: 

• Cardiovascular disease 
• Lung disease 
• High blood pressure  
• Seizures 
• Mental health issues such as depression

Corporate Influence: A Powerful Tool Against Rising Vaping Rates

One-third of young people equate the harmlessness of vaping nicotine to drinking a cup of coffee. In addition, they may not fully comprehend the connections between vaping and mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and eating disorders.

Fostering Awareness & Education

Through various strategic initiatives, organizations can empower young employees with knowledge while supporting working parents in educating themselves and their children about the risks associated with vaping.

• Educational Workshops: Conducting workshops focused on the dangers of vaping can enhance young employees’ knowledge and increase their likelihood of considering quitting. For working parents, attending these workshops enables them to have more informed discussions with their children and offer them the necessary support. 
• Awareness Campaigns: Launching awareness campaigns using posters, emails, and company-wide communications can spread essential information about the risks of vaping. This creates a pervasive atmosphere of awareness, encouraging employees to be mindful of their own or their children’s vaping habits. 
• Employee Training: Training supervisors and managers on identifying signs of vaping and offering support can be instrumental in helping employees who struggle with nicotine addiction. The knowledge gained from such training can be applied at home, as working parents learn to recognize potential signs of vaping in their children and extend the same supportive approach in helping them quit.

Incorporating A Smoking Cessation Program

Beyond awareness and education efforts, investing in a smoking cessation program offers a more tailored and impactful approach to tackling vaping issues. By assisting employees in overcoming nicotine addiction, these programs foster improved physical and mental health, resulting in a more engaged, motivated, and thriving workforce. Such an investment demonstrates a culture of support and responsibility towards employees, contributing to the long-term success and prosperity of the organization.

However, implementing a smoking cessation program presents some challenges that require proactive strategies. 

Resistance To Participation: Some employees may be hesitant to participate in smoking cessation programs due to embarrassment or shame. Employers can combat this by fostering an open and supportive environment where employees can discuss their smoking habits without fear of judgment or retribution. This can involve: 

• Initiating open discussions about smoking cessation efforts 
• Providing confidential resources that employees can access privately 
• Offering support groups 

By ensuring a safe environment for employees to ask for help, employers encourage them to take the first step in their smoking cessation journey.   

Sustaining Long-Term Commitment: The addictive nature of nicotine can make it challenging for employees to maintain their interest and commitment to quit vaping. It’s crucial to offer continuous support and follow-up initiatives to sustain long-term commitment to the program. 

Addressing Individual Needs: Employees may have unique needs when it comes to quitting smoking. A smoking cessation program can include a customized quit plan and personal coaching to accommodate individual triggers and vaping patterns.

Victory Over Smoking: A Truth Initiative Triumph

In the battle against the rise of vaping among young adults, employers can find an ally in Truth Initiative. Truth Initiative offers a range of transformative tools, including the EX Program for tobacco cessation and the This Is Quitting text-based program for vaping cessation among youth and young people.. These resources directly confront the pressing challenges tied to such addictions, playing a pivotal role in cultivating the overall well-being of the workforce. 

Eli, a 23-year-old navigating the path to nicotine cessation, offers a testament to the impact of This Is Quitting. While overcoming nicotine addiction is a continuous journey, Truth Initiative’s support guides him toward a smoke-free future.

Other individuals have also discovered hope through This Is Quitting: 

“They make it seem like there is a way out of addiction.”  – Chase, teen 

“They’re not super in your face. They serve as a quick ‘hey don’t do the thing you’re thinking about right now’.” – Cole, teen 

“They encourage me not to JUUL, they offer alternatives when I get a craving. I started going to the gym and working out instead of JUULing.” – Scarlett, young adult 

Parents of a young person who vapes can text QUIT to 202-899-7550 to receive text messages designed specifically for parents of vapers. These messages help guide conversations with children, offering strategies to quit and manage stress.