Supporting smokefree futures: Workforce Central Dunedin’s on-site health initiative
Workforce Central Dunedin (Workforce Central) is a Job & Skills Hub supporting contractors and workers on the new Dunedin Hospital build. As part of their broader health and wellbeing programme, Workforce Central partnered with the Southern Stop Smoking Service to offer on-site support for workers looking to quit smoking or vaping. This collaboration has been both effective and inspiring and shown the value of putting worker wellbeing first.
A passionate approach to smoking cessation
Raymond Clark, Operations Manager at Workforce Central, shared insights into the programme’s success:
"Our approach is to invite a health promoter to raise awareness of their services and then follow up with a programme for a few months. Andrew from Southern Stop Smoking Service came along and was so passionate and smart in his approach to smoking cessation. He’s been a super-awesome health promoter for us."
Andrew’s presence on-site allowed for multiple touchpoints with workers both in group settings and one-on-one for smoking cessation support. His enthusiasm and expertise helped build trust and engagement, even among those initially hesitant to participate.
Smokefree success stories
One of the most powerful outcomes of the programme has been the ripple effect of individual success stories. Workers who first avoided engaging with Andrew later proudly announced they had quit smoking—motivated by their peers and the supportive environment for quitting.
“This was gold for us,” said Clark. “The benefits staff have noticed include raised awareness and a better understanding of the impacts of smoking, especially through using tools like the carbon monoxide monitor which are used by the stop smoking service.”
Why on-site programmes work
Having a smoking cessation programme within the workplace offered several advantages for Workforce Central:
- Accessibility: workers could engage without needing to travel or make appointments.
- Low barrier to entry: the service was readily available, requiring minimal effort to participate.
- Integrated health messaging: smoking cessation was promoted alongside other health initiatives, such as flu vaccinations and health screenings. Heart Foundation and Stroke Foundation have also supported workplace health, reinforcing messages around smoking cessation.
- Employer support: staff are given time to access health services, and employers benefit from improved morale, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity.
“There are strong policies and messages already in place to not smoke or vape on site or around the periphery,” Clark noted. “The Stop Smoking programme has reinforced these messages and given people a way to address their smoking.”
A cost-effective investment in wellbeing
Workforce Central has found that supporting stop smoking services is a cost-effective and impactful way to enhance workplace wellbeing.
“I would strongly recommend Stop Smoking Services to other workplaces,” Clark said. “Employers love to promote healthy living and know the benefits of a healthy workforce. It’s easy and very cost-effective to promote smoking cessation—and I highly recommend they do so.”
Offering on-site stop smoking support makes a huge difference. Workers don’t have to take time off or travel - the help is right there when they need it. This approach removes barriers, builds trust, and creates opportunities for real change.
We’ve seen first-hand how accessible, workplace-based support can empower people to quit, not just for themselves but for their whānau too. Partnering with Workforce Central has shown the incredible benefits of putting wellbeing at the heart of major projects.
Southern Stop Smoking Service Manager, Teina Wilmshurst
Stop smoking support for your workplace
Contact us to find out about stop smoking support for your workplace.