CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Deciding and implementing Smoke Free Work Hours in a Danish context, a qualitative study
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Danish Heart Foundation, Copenhagen, Denmark
Submission date: 2017-04-20
Acceptance date: 2017-04-20
Publication date: 2017-05-25
Corresponding author
Tina Termansen
Danish Heart Foundation, Vognmagergade 7, 3., 1152 Copenhagen, Denmark
Tob. Prev. Cessation 2017;3(May Supplement):108
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
In this study we investigate the organizational decision processes and implementation of smoking policies. More specifically we look at the implementation of smoke free work hours in Danish municipalities. The study can help enlighten other municipalities both locally and outside of Denmark when considering prevention strategies.
Many countries legislate against smoking, including Denmark where legislation prohibits smoking in workplaces, public schools and many public spaces. Since 2011, 15 Danish municipalities have implemented smoke free work hours, meaning that it is prohibited to smoke during work time (7,5 hours a day) if employed by the municipality. Research concerning policy implementation and smoking prevention in work places is scarce. With this study, we therefore wish to look into the organizational meaning produced in the decision process concerning smoke free work hours, as well as the process and outcomes as experienced by employees and employers. The study is primarily based on qualitative interviews with decision makers in more than 15 municipalities, as well as municipal employees. We also plan to do observation at workplaces to look into the outcomes on work place community. Our preliminary findings show that smoke free work hours is often decided and implemented as a part of a larger health strategy and is viewed as a means by which a municipality can establish themselves as a frontrunner in health regulation. Furthermore implementation success often depends on the political context in which the regulation is introduced as well as the decision-makers personal investment in the policy.
Funding
Danish Health Ministry