Utilizing Research to Facilitate Organizational Change

Abstract

This study aimed to facilitate organisational change through research to implement a workplace smoking ban. Previous appeals to the executive management had been unsuccessful, as the health service complied with legal requirements. This small exploratory research study, utilized the employee survey developed by QUIT Victoria, to gather evidence of staff opinions about workplace smoking. Approximately 25% of the workforce smoked. The majority of the workforce in the study supported a workplace smoking ban, citing adverse effects of smoking on them and the environment. Staff also support quit smoking initiatives for staff and a small percentage of those who smoke (27%) reported it would encourage them to quit. Four staff reported that a workplace smoking ban would create difficulties for them, highlighting the importance of support for these staff. A smoke free workplace policy was introduced as a result of the research project. Utilizing a research approach, facilitated positive change for local level workforce and workplace issues.