Looking to increase workplace productivity and employee satisfaction?
As any successful business owner knows, creating the right environment for your employees is key.
But when it comes to smoking policies, most companies fall into one of two camps:
The complete no-smoking-allowed approach or the wild-west let-it-all-fall-where-it-may approach.
In this article, we’ll dive into:
- Why safe smoking areas matter for your business
- The real cost of poor smoking policies
- How to design the perfect safe smoking area
- Legal requirements you must know
- Creating a winning smoking policy
Let’s get started!
Why Safe Smoking Areas Matter For Your Business?
Safe smoking areas might not be the most glamorous part of your business, but they play an important role in your workplace environment and culture.
Consider the facts…
Smokers average a 31% higher sick-leave rate than non-smokers. That’s a lot of missed work days and lost productivity. But did you know:
Designated smoking areas and policies can reduce some of these issues.
Think about it:
If your employees who smoke have to walk three blocks down the street to find a place where it’s okay to smoke, how long do they really take for a break?
And how frustrated are they when they return from their smokes?
On the other hand, if you provide a comfortable, well-ventilated designated smoking area a short distance from your building, those breaks become shorter, more predictable, and less annoying for everyone involved.
For employees who smoke cigarettes or other traditional tobacco products, such as Canadian classic cigarettes, having a safe, designated area where they can smoke makes them feel respected and accommodated, while still maintaining a professional environment for your other employees. Maintaining this balance is key to keeping everyone happy and reducing workplace tension.
Reduce Productivity Losses
Did you know that…
Each employee who smokes costs employers $1,897 in lost productivity per year? Crazy, right?
But the good news is:
Smart smoking policies can reduce that number drastically.
Here’s how:
When you have clearly defined, well-designed smoking areas and policies in place:
- Smoke breaks become predictable and shorter
- Employees don’t waste time searching for places to smoke
- Non-smokers aren’t exposed to secondhand smoke
- Everyone knows what to expect
The result? Better productivity and a happier team all around.
Improve Employee Retention
Fun fact:
Smoking employees who feel supported and accommodated by their workplace are far more likely to stay with your company long-term.
And if you’ve been in business for any amount of time, you know:
Replacing employees is far more expensive than accommodating their smoking needs properly.
Creating good smoking areas and policies shows your employees that you care about everyone’s needs and well-being. That kind of attention to employee needs goes a long way toward building employee loyalty and long-term retention.
The Real Cost of Poor Smoking Policies
Poor smoking policies can cost your business a lot more than you think.
Here’s what happens when they’re not implemented effectively:
Health Insurance Costs Skyrocket
Businesses that reported smoke-free policies experienced a reduction in fire insurance costs by 25-30% on average.
But that’s just the start.
When your employees smoke in unauthorized areas, or when non-smokers are exposed to secondhand smoke, your health insurance premiums can skyrocket.
Legal Liabilities Pile Up
In non-smoking allowed areas of the workplace, 20% of non-smokers report secondhand smoke exposure at least once per week.
Those employees who suffer secondhand smoke exposure can file workers’ compensation claims against your business.
Guess who ends up paying?
Productivity Takes A Hit
Smoking breaks can average from eight to 73 minutes a day for heavy tobacco use industries such as construction.
Without designated smoking areas, these breaks are longer and more disruptive than ever.
How To Design The Perfect Safe Smoking Area
Designing a safe smoking area for your business doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few essential elements to get right.
Here’s what to consider:
Location Is Everything
First and foremost, your smoking area needs to be in the right place:
- At least 25 feet from any building entrances, exits, or ventilation systems
- Away from high-traffic areas and office spaces
- In a visible location for security reasons
Pro tip: Check your local smoking area regulations. Some states require specific distances from entrances, playgrounds, or neighboring buildings.
Ventilation And Air Quality
Good ventilation is critical for a safe smoking area.
You want:
- Natural airflow that disperses smoke away from the building
- Covered areas that don’t trap smoke under a roof
- Proper drainage for all weather conditions
Comfort And Safety Features
Make your smoking area an area your employees will actually want to use.
Provide:
- Seating and proper lighting
- Weather protection
- Fire-safe cigarette disposal units
- Regular maintenance and cleaning
Clear Signage And Boundaries
Nobody should be guessing where smoking is and isn’t allowed:
- Marked smoking area boundaries
- “No Smoking” signs in other areas
- Posted policies and emergency contact numbers
Legal Requirements You Must Know
Smoking area laws and regulations can vary significantly by state.
Here are the basics you need to know for your business:
Federal Guidelines
While there is no federal smoking area law, OSHA guidelines require employers to provide a safe work environment for all employees, including those who smoke.
State And Local Laws
28 states and the District of Columbia have adopted smoking legislation requiring all non-hospitality workplaces to be completely smoke-free.
However, even in these states, most allow for outdoor smoking areas that are properly set up and ventilated.
Distance Requirements
Your smoking area must be a specific distance from:
- Building entrances and windows
- Air intake systems
- Sidewalks and public areas
The exact distance varies by state and sometimes even city.
Liability Considerations
If you provide a smoking area, you are responsible for:
- Maintaining the area to safety codes
- Proper disposal of cigarettes and other smoking materials
- Shielding non-smokers from exposure
- Following fire safety regulations
Creating A Winning Smoking Policy
Your smoking policy should be:
- Clear
- Fair
- Enforceable
Let’s cover the key elements every smoking policy should include:
Key Elements To Include
- Designated Areas: Where smoking is and is not allowed
- Break Times: When employees can take smoking breaks and for how long
- Safety Requirements: Fire safety rules and proper disposal procedures
- Consequences: Clear consequences for smoking policy violations
Making It Work For Everyone
The best smoking policies take both smokers and non-smokers’ needs into consideration.
To make your smoking policy work for everyone:
- Limit the frequency of smoking breaks to match regular breaks
- Ensure that non-smokers receive equal break time
- Create clear consequences for smoking policy violations
- Review the policy regularly
Communication Is Key
Don’t create a smoking policy and then let it gather dust.
Make sure to:
- Clearly communicate the policy to all employees
- Provide proper training
- Post visible reminders
- Address violations immediately
Wrapping It All Together
Safe smoking areas are neither about encouraging employees to smoke, nor are they about punishing smokers.
Safe smoking areas are about creating a workplace that works for everyone, while also protecting your business from unnecessary costs and liability.
Creating well-designed smoking areas and clear, fair policies in place can help you:
- Reduce productivity losses from extended smoking breaks
- Lower insurance and liability costs
- Improve employee satisfaction and retention
- Maintain a more respectful and professional workplace culture
The bottom line?
Smart smoking policies are good for business.
They show employees that you care about their needs, while also looking out for your business’ best interests.
Don’t let poorly executed smoking policies cost your business money and great employees.
Take the time to create safe, effective smoking areas that work for everyone.
Your employees (smokers and non-smokers) will thank you. And so will your bottom line.