U-Haul to Implement Nicotine-Free Hiring Policy for Healthier Workforce

PHOENIX, Dec. 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- U-Haul International, an industry leader committed to promoting and empowering a healthy workforce, will soon be the first major company in its field to decline job applicants who are nicotine users.

The nicotine-free hiring policy will go into effect in 21 states on Feb. 1. The employment of Team Members hired prior to that date will not be impacted by the policy.

This policy furthers the progression of U-Haul to establish one of the healthiest corporate cultures in the U.S. and Canada. On Dec. 10, U-Haul broke ground on a 54,208-square-foot conference and fitness center that will become a focal point of its Midtown campus at 2727 N. Central Ave. This commitment to its team will help U-Haul continue to attract the best and brightest professionals to Arizona.

Go to uhauljobs.com to search for career opportunities.

"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."

U-Haul employs more than 30,000 across the U.S. and Canada, and is among Arizona's largest employers with 4,000-plus Team Members. Arizona is among the 21 states where it is lawful to decline hiring individuals who use nicotine products.

Other states where the policy will be enacted are: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

Headquartered in Phoenix since 1967, U-Haul offers Team Members an array of benefits and resources to become the best version of themselves through its "Healthier You" program. The wellness program is designed to assist Team Members in four areas: health, mindset, nutrition and fitness.

Program features include: nicotine cessation assistance for current Team Members; gym and personal trainer reimbursements; registered dietitian plans; health fairs; farmers markets; healthy meals and vending; an online health portal; U-Haul Active Day for group fitness events; and a robust benefits package. In September, U-Haul addressed the mental health of its Team Members and their households by adding the "You Matter" program.

"If we take care for our Team Members, they will take care of our customers," Lopez added.

Individuals seeking U-Haul jobs in the aforementioned 21 states will see statements regarding the nicotine-free hiring policy on applications, and will be questioned about nicotine use. In states where testing is allowed, applicants must consent to submit to nicotine screening in the future to be considered.

For information about the dangers of nicotine use, or for assistance in quitting, please consult the American Lung Association at lung.org and the American Cancer Society at cancer.org.

About U-Haul

Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of 22,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 offers secure access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the customer dispatch option on their smartphones and our proprietary Live Verify technology. Our customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to approximately 167,000 trucks, 120,000 trailers and 43,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers nearly 697,000 rooms and 60.7 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry, and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S.

Contact:

Jeff Lockridge
Sebastien Reyes
E-mail: publicrelations@uhaul.com
Phone: 602-760-4941
Website: uhaul.com

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SOURCE U-Haul