Quitting smoking

Itoki has positioned smoking prevention as an issue for protecting the health of its employees, and has continued to implement such initiatives as introducing a smoking cessation support program in 2017 and regularly publishing a support magazine for those aiming to quit smoking, "Recommended for Quitting Smoking." Starting in 2021, the "Quit Smoking in 3 Days" initiative was rolled out company-wide, with the aim of creating a clean, smoke-free Itoki at all business locations. As a result of these ongoing efforts, the smoking rate among all employees has dropped significantly, from 32.6% in 2012 to 15.8% in 2022. As the smoking rate has been rising since fiscal 2023, the company has once again strengthened its smoking cessation support, including by providing subsidies for smoking cessation outpatient clinics and continuing to implement declarations during working hours.

To encourage employees who want to quit smoking, we have introduced a "Smoking Cessation Support Program," which includes subsidizing the cost of outpatient smoking cessation visits and providing an in-house supervisor system. We have also launched new initiatives, such as an online smoking cessation program and a "Smoking Free 3-Day" program, which allows employees to easily quit smoking, and are fully supporting employees as an organization to take the first step toward quitting smoking. In fiscal 2024, we implemented a trial program for Nicorette (gum/48 pieces/2-week supply) and Nicotinell patches (medicinal patches/7 pieces/1-week supply), based on the concept of "experiencing a tobacco-free life." We have also reviewed the maintenance and operation of smoking areas from the perspective of preventing passive smoking.

Every month, our health staff disseminates various information and trivia quizzes about tobacco to the entire company in a fun and easy-to-understand way, ``Recommendations for quitting smoking.'' We will continue to provide the latest information as a support magazine for those aiming to quit smoking.

From 2021, the three days following World No Tobacco Day on May 31 will be designated as "ITOKI Quit Smoking 3 Days" and the entire company is working to achieve a smoke-free three days with the aim of a clean ITOKI. In fiscal 2024, the smoke-free period will be expanded to two weeks, creating an environment where employees can start at their own convenience.