U-Haul recently announced it would no longer be hiring those who use nicotine in any form, in 21 states. The company takes pride in promoting and empowering a healthy workforce, implementing the changes on February 1st. Although the change won’t affect those hired prior to the change, the change in the hiring process could be the begging of a change in many different company hiring policies. Why the sudden change and what can this implementation snowball into for the rest of the country?
U-Haul Takes A Step Forward With New Hiring Policies
“We are deeply invested in the well-being of our Team Members,” stated Jessica Lopez, U-Haul Chief of Staff. “Nicotine products are addictive and pose a variety of serious health risks. This policy is a responsible step in fostering a culture of wellness at U-Haul, with the goal of helping our Team Members on their health journey.” With over 30,000 employees in the United States and Canada, this change comes a month after U-Haul began the construction of a 54,208-square-foot conference and fitness center. U-Haul prides itself on being one of the healthiest corporate cultures in North America and intends to continue the trend. This also became implemented after a series of laws passed in order to prevent tobacco products from being purchased under the age of 21.
Nicotine Risk?
Nicotine already is known for its highly addictive risk, most commonly found in cigarettes, vapes, and other cessations. By smoking the most common form of obtaining nicotine, is one of the highest causes of death and illness. Whether it be lung cancer, damaging your heart, throat, voice box, blood circulation, or stomach its risks have been well studied. Smoking also can lead to heart attacks, strokes, coronary heart disease, and other respiratory conditions.
The Future of Nicotine Use
With 21 states already in support of hiring policies that favor non-nicotine users, we can expect other states to favor the implementations. In America alone, approximately 50 million people are using some type of tobacco product. As we continue to move forward in society to become healthier, we can expect companies in states where non-nicotine hiring processes are legal to follow the path set. The problem with nicotine besides its addictiveness is that no studies have found the substance to have any health risk. In fact, some studies show that nicotine can have health benefits. The health risk come with how you are obtaining nicotine. As previously stated the most common being tobacco.
Will companies decide to follow after U-Haul and implement these rules in their hiring process? Will we find a better way to test for the harmful products that might contain nicotine? Stay tuned as we continue to keep our eyes out on any new revelation regarding its usage!
If you are on Medicare and have Dental Insurance questions call Empower today. Let us help with your Medicare questions so you can get back to the activities you enjoy the most. 1-888-446-9157 or click here to get an INSTANT QUOTE