Case Study

A Fortune 100 Company’s Approach to Digital Tobacco Cessation: A Smarter, More Effective Solution

 
A Fortune 100 Company’s Approach to Digital Tobacco Cessation: A Smarter, More Effective Solution

 

A large conglomerate needed a digital tobacco cessation program to engage a wide range of employees and their dependents. Engagement was critical, especially given underperformance with previous vendors. EX Program stood out for our evidence-based methodology, ease of access, and ability to deliver outcomes.

Overview

This leader in the food and beverage industry operates more than 70 manufacturing sites across the U.S., primarily in rural areas, where tobacco use is significantly higher than the national average.

Challenge

With 27% of manufacturing workers and 25% of warehouse and shipping employees using tobacco, on average—compared to the 12% national average—this conglomerate recognized an urgent need for a more effective tobacco cessation program.

with 27% tobacco use among manufacturing workers and 25% among warehouse and shipping staff, compared to 12% nationally.

The company had previously relied on its health plan and pharmacy to deliver tobacco cessation and nicotine replacement therapy through separate channels. This fragmented approach led to low engagement, minimal impact, and barriers to access.

Solution

In September 2023, the conglomerate selected EX Program, developed with Mayo Clinic, and seamlessly integrated the program through Personify Health to maximize employee participation. The company chose EX Program based on our proven success in tobacco cessation and our ability to remove friction in the enrollment process.

To drive adoption, the corporation implemented a strategic incentive: employees and adult dependents who use tobacco—including e-cigarettes—face an additional $75 surcharge per tobacco user per month unless they enroll in EX Program. This policy not only encourages participation but also supports long-term behavior change.

Promoting Treatment for Tobacco Use to Support Workers

The corporation launched a strategic multi-channel promotional campaign to ensure awareness and drive adoption of EX Program:

  • Quarterly on-site promotions (posters and digital displays)
  • Targeted email campaigns
  • Seamless integration in ongoing benefits communications

These ongoing promotions emphasized the company’s commitment to tackling high tobacco use rates and improving population health outcomes.

Why They Selected EX Program

  • Integration with Personify Health
  • Personalized quit plans based on tobacco type and program use
  • Easy and flexible support through live chat with Tobacco Treatment Specialists, online community of peers, and dynamic text messaging
  • Proven ROI for healthcare cost savings
  • Ability to serve as a reasonable alternative standard for surcharge compliance

Engagement & Impact: A Measurable Success

In the first year alone, the company more than doubled enrollments compared to its prior vendor. Engagement metrics demonstrated strong participation:

  • 85% of participants set a quit date
  • 65% achieved at least 1 day of abstinence
  • 53% achieved 7 days of abstinence

A 2024 analysis showed EX Program delivered a 4.75x ROI from healthcare cost savings per participant in year 1. Contact us to see a demo of our effective quit-tobacco program today.

Human Resources Today