Should Employers No Longer Hire Smokers?

Just recently an article came out discussing whether or not Fort Worth should ban tobacco completely for new city employees, debating on whether or not they will continue to hire smokers. For some, this idea is a great way to establish a healthier work environment, hopefully leading to a healthier city and in the long run cutting costs down for healthcare. For others, it is taking away our rights to make choices about our own lifestyle. So what's more important, creating a healthier and more cost efficient lifestyle for our community, or allowing the public to continue to make their own personal decisions?

Being a non-smoker, this debate doesn't have quite the same effect on me since I wouldn't have to make any adjustments to quit smoking. However, it does bring up a very important point of the ethical controversy in this decision. If the city is able to pass something where employers have the right to no longer hire smokers, what will be the next thing they will ban? I fear that if this does pass, then when will it ever stop?

In order to please both parties, I do think there are postitive alternatives to the situation. Many companies across the nation have incorporated health programs that promote special benefits for their employees who go the extra mile to maintain their health. One in particular that I can think of has a deal with all  employees that they test their health every month by a set of guidelines. Some of those guidelines include maintaining a constant weight level, exercising a certain amount of time every week, focusing on nutritional facts and food, and last but not least staying away from tobacco. If their employees don't smoke, it gives them an opportunity to increase their overall health rating. However, it is up to the employee to make the decision on how well they want to do. Employees with higher health checks will ultimately receive better bonuses. I think this is a great idea that many companies can become involved with because it is an incentive for all employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle but still gives them the chance to make their own decisions.

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