As part of its 'Freedom From Tobacco' policy for Independence Day, BEST will place drop boxes in each bus to encourage staffers and passengers to dispose of their cigarettes and gutka
Drop your tobacco addiction in these special drop boxes that BEST is installing in each bus to help employees and passengers kick their habit
This Independence Day, the BEST Undertaking will pledge to free itself of tobacco addiction and move on to better things. After years of its employees battling the ill-effects of tobacco consumption, BEST is now installing drop boxes in each of its buses to encourage staffers and passengers to dispose of their cigarettes and gutka and 'drop' their addiction.
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Also, after months of planning, the organisation will put into force its new HR policy that will require staffers to kick their tobacco habit before they can progress in their careers.
Last year, this paper had reported that tobacco addiction afflicts close to 40 per cent of the BEST workforce. The administration will now implement a five-point HR policy that will cover recruitment and promotions, support those who want to quit the habit, and finally, penalise those who fail to give it up.
While recruiting, the Undertaking will now give preference to candidates who do not use tobacco. During promotions as well, staffers will be required to sign an undertaking that they will not use tobacco. In addition, employees who have a hard time quitting tobacco can also avail of free medical consultations and time off for recovery.
"Tobacco addiction came up as an issue after an organisation-wide survey we conducted a few years ago. The survey showed a correlation between tobacco use and various illnesses, such as cancer, and heart disease," said Dr Anil Singhal, chief medical officer, BEST. "We are also planning to start a de-addiction centre," he added.
Bus pass gives passengers health benefits
BEST has also started a new health care scheme for passengers who do not have insurance but hold bus passes. Under the scheme ‘BEST care for all’, passengers can now avail of free medical check-ups and eye check-ups once a year. The bus pass will also allow them to avail 50% discount on check-ups, and 20% discount on total bills, excluding medicines and implant charges.
Five-point plan
> Non-users get preference during recruitment
> Staffers who are promoted will have to sign undertaking to quit tobacco
> Those who kick the habit will get medical, social and financial support
> Those who help colleagues to quit will be felicitated Staffers caught using tobacco will be penalised
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