Smoking in the workplace

Smoking in the workplace has been a long-standing problem for employers. Until recently, employers didn't do much about smoking in the workplace. In the 1980's, people would actually smoke in board rooms while their non-smoking co-workers were sitting next to them, breathing in the second-hand smoke. With lung disease and cancer being tied to cigarette smoking, employers are starting to take action.

Of course the desired result is to get your employees to give-up smoking and start living a healthier lifestyle. This will reduce the amount of money you spend in sick leave and health insurance costs. It will also increase the productivity you get out of each employee. Most states require workplaces to be smoke-free. If someone wants to smoke, they will need to go outside at least 20 feet away from the building. Even if people are outside, the cigarette smoke can still be pumped back into the building through the ventilation system. This is why it is better to get your employees to stop smoking, and then your non-smoking employees will not be exposed to second-hand smoke.

Here are some of the benefits employers and employees should expect if they create a smoke-free workplace:

Employers:

• A healthier workplace for all the employees


• Reduced medical expenses


• Reduced sick leave and increased productivity


• A commitment to health by the company shows the employees they truly care about their health


• Reduced maintenance costs


• Office equipment (like furniture) will last longer and retain it's value


• Reduced insurance costs for the building because the risk of fires is lower

Employees:

• Cheaper health insurance and life insurance costs


• A smoke-free office means you will not have the risk of second-hand smoke


• A safe, healthier workplace for everyone


• Happier, more-productive workplace


• Financial rewards for quitting smoking

Besides all of the benefits a smoke-free workplace maintains, you still need to write-up a clear policy on smoking for your employees. The policy you write up should discuss the health hazards and other problems caused by smoking. It should then state the tobacco products that are banned from the facility for all patrons of the building. This means that your customers must also adhere to this policy when they are on the premises. In the policy, you need to be clear about where people can go if they desire to smoke. A designated "smoke area" needs to be placed away from the building so the smoke doesn't get pumped back into the building through the ventilation system. Normally the smoking area should be at least 20 feet away from the main entrance of the building. You must also provide containers for people to extinguish and throw-away their cigarette butts and matches.

The policy must be clear on how many smoke breaks employees can have. Most employees will take 4, 10-minute smoke breaks each day. This is an additional 10-20 minutes of break time compared to their non-smoking co-workers. Smoke breaks should be allowed as long as they are not interfering with the productivity of the staff and if they are not causing distractions and other problems for other employees.

Once you have completed the no-smoking policy, you need to clearly display it in the office. It should be in a public area where your customers and employees can read it. Pamphlets in the front area of the office are always effective. Make sure you give one to each employee when they are hired so there is no question about the smoking rules. You also need to be clear about the disciplinary consequences that will happen if anyone is found breaking the no-smoking policy.