Impact of Smoking on Workplace Productivity

Smoking can impact the workplace productivity as you already know smoking is not good for health so obviously there will be harmful effects of it that’s why it is considered to be harmful for the health. It can likely increase absenteeism due to illness related to smoking, requiring frequent breaks for puffing up, and usually causing lower an employee’s overall health and cognitive functions that may decrease the performance by reducing productivity in the workplace. Even accidents can occur in some instances of smoking habits. In general, smokers fall ill more frequently than non-smokers which means there will be negative effects on workplace morale and team dynamics. 

Some adverse effects of smoking on the workplace are:

1. Chances to Catch Fire: 

If there is a chain smoker in the workplace then he or she might be urged to smoke frequently. It increases the risk of catching fire at the workplace while risking the life of other employees. They might throw up the enlightened cigarette in the dustbin when in a hurry. Any incident can result in any mistake by chance of not extinguishing the cigarette properly. It also increases the maintenance cost and cleaning.

2. Increased in Absenteeism: 

In comparison with non-smokers, smokers tend to take more leaves due to illnesses which are caused by smoking, for example: respiratory illnesses. Due to a weak immune system they can get infections quickly as compared to others. 

3. Negative Image of the Company:

If clients or consumers get to know that employees smoke, it creates a negative impression of the company as employees are considered as part of the company. They might create an image of bad reputation in the company. 

4. Negative Impact on Morale:

While smokers take frequent breaks to smoke as compared to non-smokers that can be partiality among both of them. So it is noticed that non-smokers are tense and have decreased morale.

5. Reduction in Productivity: 

Taking frequent breaks during office hours for smoking can cause loss of work as this takes time. It will also decrease attention to work as breaks will distract the mind from working projects. Constant urge to smoke can kill the productivity of the mind. 

6. Higher healthcare costs: 

Smokers might experience more costly premium subscriptions of health insurance as these insurance agencies know the smokers fall ill more often in comparison to non-smokers. Also frequent illness can cause higher costs of healthcare. 

7. Workplace mishaps potential: 

Smoking can affect cognitive functioning and reaction time by impairing it. This can eventually increase the risk of workplace incidents leading to property damage or severe injuries. It even slows down the process of identifying in person that’s why the person feels relaxed after smoking. 

How to minimise the impact of smoking in the workplace efficiently: 

1. Spread awareness among employees:

Aware them about the risks and dangers of smoking through multiple initiatives or campaigns. Educate them about the people who smoke cigarettes have higher risks of heart attacks and cancer risk. They can be more active in their personal and professional life if they work 

2. Frequent health check-ups:

These health check-ups will update the employees how smoking is affecting them and ruining their health. And if they forget they can know these updates constantly. This step may lead them to quit smoking as it is an effective method to prevent a person from smoking. 

3. Smoking Cessation Programs:

Assisting smokers to quit smoking is important as they need a helping hand to pull them out of the habit. Help them with nicotine replacement therapy and other required medications which can genuinely help them to quit smoking. Partner with some trusted healthcare providers to deliver the personalised medication and support. 

4. Reward them thoroughly:

Provide them with some extra financial support such as reduced health insurance premiums or give them gift cards in order to encourage them to quit smoking and if they quit smoking, give them what promised earlier for quitting smoking. Also consider flexibility working hours to reduce workload as often employees say that they smoke because of work pressure.

5. Support from the leader:

Leaders should ensure that they are actively working to promote the quit-smoking policy and fostering employees to take part in cessation programs which can help them to quit smoking. The leader should set up an example of non-smoking habits by not smoking at all. If they themselves will be non-smokers then it can be a great example for them. 

Final Words

Smoking does affect productivity by reducing focus and frequent breaks but it could be quitted by them if the employers help to quit it by spreading awareness and regular health check-ups so that they can be aware of their own health. Support them via medication and finances. Set an example in front of employees by not smoking even in fun. Use top HR software to help employees to get better solutions.