The Problem:Research conducted within the Türk Telekom revealed that a majority of TT employees were smokers. In this scope, Türk Telekom has started fighting against smoking for healthier and more effective employees.The Challenge:Türk Telekom aims to support its employees in quitting smoking by offering ‘complimentary therapies’ in its "Türk Telekom Quit Smoking Polyclinics."The Strategy:Türk Telekom decided to establish a cooperation with the Ministry of Health, and to support the Smoke Free Air Zone project actively countrywide.The Results 1,800 patients have applied to the Türk Telekom Quit Smoking Polyclinics until now , and applications continue.

Information posters were prepared and distributed to all the Türk Telekom units countrywide. Employees were referred to www.saglik.gov.tr, www.havanikoru.org.tr, www.tapdk.gov.tr, www.ssuk.org.tr websites in order to learn the details about the project, and to gain awareness.Each Türk Telekom unit appointed three supervisors for the project, as well as a number of monitors on the hallways. Within the effective supervision mechanism, Türk Telekom employees who decide to quit smoking are first given the "Fagerstörm Nicotine Addiction Test" followed by a chest X-ray, respiratory function and blood tests to assess the damage of nicotine. Following the analyses, physicians choose the best method for the individual, and initiate the therapy.

These therapies are offered for complimentary. In the project, those who succeed in quitting smoking are awarded by Türk Telekom. Thus, Türk Telekom encourages its employees to apply to the polyclinics for a healthier life.

In the two years since the enforcement, there has been a significant reduction in smoking rates in Turkey. According to the Tobacco and Alcohol Market Regulatory Board (TAPKD) data, cigarette consumption, which was 3.641 billion packs in the first 8 months of 2009, decreased to 3.050 billion packs in the same period in 2010. The indoors smoking ban reduced cigarette sales by 16.2 percent in 2010.

"Türk Telekom Quit Smoking Polyclinics" are the first of their kind worldwide regarding the population size to be served. Over 25,000 Türk Telekom employees all over the the country are able to benefit from the services of around 60 physicians trained in smoking cessation. Currently, there is no other company worldwide which is able to offer a service to this many employees.

1,800 patients have applied to the Türk Telekom Quit Smoking Polyclinics until now, and applications continue.