Smoking: bad for your health and your career?
The new law banning smoking in all enclosed spaces may mean a healthier environment for all, but smoking in the workplace - albeit outside the actual office - is still a major bone of contention between employees. Some non-smokers are so wound up about it, they're demanding extra breaks to compensate for their colleagues' 'smoking time'That's according to Croner Consulting, leading UK consultant on business information, support and advice. Croner's employment law helpline receives around 100 calls a week from employers, related to smoking breaks and employee resentment.
And now that specially designated smoking areas are soon to be outlawed, cigarette breaks outside of the office are under the spotlight.
What breaks are you entitled to?
The main question coming from employers is whether they should limit smokers' breaks or if non-smokers should be entitled to extra breaks as compensation. In fact, 'neither non-smokers nor smokers have the right to request additional breaks, and it is entirely down to the discretion of the employer,' says Richard Smith, corporate and training manager at Croner Consulting.
'Employers should ensure that all employees have equal opportunities for comfort breaks,' continues Richard. 'Smokers may choose to leave the office for a cigarette, while a non-smoker may have a cup of tea or the traditional chat by the water cooler.'
'However, it may appear (and is often the case) that smokers are taking longer and more frequent breaks than non-smokers. In such cases, employers should ensure their policy on smoking and refreshment breaks is up-to-date and clearly communicated to all employees.'
Tips and advice
Whether you're a smoker, a non-smoker or an employer addressing a smoking-related grievance at work, here are some suggestions and tips to help ease the tension:
- Don't forget, employers don't have to agree to additional breaks for non-smoking employees. A grievance of this kind wouldn't be a case for tribunal
- Employers should discover how big the smoking issue really is, then speak to smoking and non-smoking employees to gauge their feelings
- Employers need to make their policy on breaks at work very clear so employees are aware of the breaks they're entitled to throughout the day
- One option could be for employees to take a shorter lunch break and more smoking breaks instead
Employers need to ensure non-smokers are aware they have the right to leave their workstation for their entitlement of refreshment breaks, and that smokers are not entitled to more breaks
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