Up until 1983, there weren’t any restrictions on smoking in the workplace. Even after this date, smoking wasn’t entirely banned — it was just limited to certain areas on the workplace property due to how common cigarette use was.
Today, more businesses than ever are implementing a smoke-free policy. But, not everyone understands why this is such a good thing.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we got you covered.
Let’s take a look at why a smoking policy is beneficial.
Before We Begin
It’s commonly understood at this point that eliminating smoking in the workplace has health benefits for you and your employees. It also by preventing employees from taking smoke breaks.
But, there are other benefits to be had, as well.
Reduced Risk of Fires
It’s not uncommon for people to absentmindedly toss their cigarette butts on the ground after they’re done smoking. During dry weather or under the right environmental conditions, however, it’s not impossible for a fire to start.
Fires can easily result in hundreds of thousands (and sometimes millions) of dollars in damage to business property and the surrounding area.
Fires also commonly result in injury or death, making preventing them all the more important. Therefore, preventing fires is a particularly enticing benefit of a tobacco-free workplace.
Elimination of Secondhand Smoke
Unbeknownst by smokers and their friends/families for years, secondhand smoke is a real danger that needs to be prevented.
While secondhand smoke is linked to over 40,000 deaths per year, there are countless health complications that can arise for other people as a result of being near someone who smokes.
The CDC claims that workplaces are major sources of secondhand smoke due to it being unavoidable by employees in some scenarios, such as those who work at restaurants or casinos.
By implementing a smoke-free policy, you’ll improve the health of everyone who’s employed at your place of business, not just those who smoke.
The only acceptable way for smoking to be allowed near a workplace is within a designated smoking shelter. You can check out what the guys over at Shelters Direct have to say to learn more.
Help Employees Quit Smoking
When attempting to break a habit, things become a lot easier if you’re prevented from engaging in that habit.
By eliminating smoking in your workplace, you’re forcing employees who smoke to drastically reduce the number of cigarettes they consume each day.
For those who are trying to quell their smoking habits, prohibiting workplace smoking is one of the most helpful things you can do for them. Even if employees who are trying to give up tobacco aren’t actively smoking, secondhand smoke from other workers can prevent them from quitting.
Since quitting smoking is sure to bring improved health for the smoker and those around them, there’s no reason to allow it in the workplace.
Every Business Should Have a Smoking Policy
Implementing a smoking policy is a simple step you can take to increase productivity and ensure things run smoothly.
Want to learn more about improving employee productivity? on our site has plenty of useful information.
