To help slash rising medical costs, some companies are not allowing smoking on any part of their property. According to an article in the Arizona Republic, USAA, Lowes, BF Goodrich Tires, and many hospital campuses have implemented smoking bans. For many smokers, such a zero-tolerance policy will mean giving up tobacco or quitting the job. The American Cancer Society reports that anticipated medical costs drop by $47 in the first year a smoker quits and another $853 during the next seven years. This does not include other costs, such as time spent away from productive activity. Smokers miss 6.1 sick days per year, compared with 3.8 days missed by non-smokers. Also, a pack-a-day smoker spends about $1,500 a year on cigarettes - money that they might otherwise invest in their retirement plan.

The fact is, even though many employees enjoy smoking, it's still an unhealthy and expensive habit that often offends customers, clients, and employees who don't smoke.