Tobacco-free And Smoke-free Workplace Policy

Purpose And Commitment

Ignite Families LLC is dedicated to maintaining a healthy, safe, and respectful environment for all employees, clients, and visitors. Research consistently demonstrates that tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure pose significant health risks. As an organization that serves children and families—including many who may have heightened health vulnerabilities—Ignite Families LLC maintains a comprehensive tobacco-free and smoke-free policy across all organizational settings.

This policy also reflects our commitment to modeling healthy lifestyles for the families we serve and aligns with Indiana Department of Child Services standards for organizations providing community-based family services.

Scope and Application

This policy applies to:

  • All employees, regardless of position or employment status
  • Contractors, vendors, volunteers, and interns
  • Visitors and clients while on or in any Ignite Families LLC premises or vehicles

This policy applies at all times on all Ignite Families LLC premises, including but not limited to:

  • All office buildings and interior spaces
  • Company-owned or leased vehicles
  • Client homes during the course of providing services
  • All outdoor areas of company property including parking lots, walkways, and courtyards
  • Any other location where Ignite Families LLC business is conducted

Prohibited Products and Conduct

The use of all tobacco and nicotine products is prohibited in all areas covered by this policy. Prohibited products include, but are not limited to:

  • Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and cigarillos
  • Chewing tobacco, snuff, and all smokeless tobacco products
  • Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vape pens, and all vaping devices
  • Hookah and water pipes
  • Heated tobacco products (e.g., IQOS, heat-not-burn devices)
  • Nicotine pouches, patches, gum, and lozenges used in a manner that exposes others to nicotine vapor or aerosol
  • Any other tobacco or nicotine delivery device

Employee Wellness Support

Ignite Families LLC recognizes that tobacco cessation is a personal journey that often requires support. Employees who wish to quit tobacco use are encouraged to access available resources, which may include:

  • Indiana’s Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW), available free of charge to Indiana residents
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counseling services
  • Referral to primary care providers for cessation medications and support
  • Information on cessation resources provided by Human Resources upon request

While Ignite Families LLC strongly encourages employees to pursue cessation, participation in wellness programs is voluntary and will not be used as a factor in employment decisions.

Client Service Environments

When providing services in client homes or other non-company-controlled environments, employees must not use any tobacco or nicotine products before entering or while present in a client’s home or service location. Employees must ensure that they do not carry the odor of tobacco smoke into client environments, particularly when serving children, infants, or individuals with respiratory conditions.

If a client or household member is using tobacco products during a scheduled home visit, the employee may request that tobacco use cease during the visit or, if the request is declined and the environment poses a health concern, the employee may reschedule the visit and document the circumstances in the case file.

Visitors and Clients

All visitors and clients are expected to comply with this policy while on Ignite Families LLC premises or in company vehicles. Staff are empowered to courteously inform visitors and clients of this policy and to request compliance. This policy will be posted at all entry points and included in client orientation materials.

Enforcement and Consequences

All employees share responsibility for maintaining a tobacco-free environment. Employees who observe violations are encouraged to remind the individual of the policy respectfully. If violations continue, employees should report the situation to their supervisor or the Compliance Officer.

Violations of this policy by employees will be addressed through the standard progressive disciplinary process, which may include verbal warning, written warning, suspension, or termination, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation. Employees who violate this policy while in a client’s home or around children may be subject to accelerated disciplinary action given the heightened duty of care in those environments.

Signage and Communication

Ignite Families LLC will post appropriate no-smoking and tobacco-free signage at all entrances and common areas of company facilities. This policy will be included in the employee handbook, communicated during onboarding, and made available on the company website.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Compliance Officer and updated as necessary to reflect changes in Indiana law, DCS contract requirements, or best practices in workplace health.

Acknowledgment

All employees are required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of this policy as a condition of employment and upon any material revision. Acknowledgment forms will be retained in the employee’s personnel file.