Are you looking to build a smoking policy everyone can agree on?
Creating a workplace smoking policy is one of the most difficult things any business owner can tackle. Get it wrong and you could anger your smokers, your non-smokers… or both. Do it right though and you have a healthier, happier workplace for everyone.
Here’s the secret…
It isn’t about punishing those that smoke. Instead, it’s about creating clear guidelines that prioritize and protect every employee’s health and wellbeing.
Sounds difficult? It doesn’t have to be.
Below is everything there is to know about building a workplace smoking policy from scratch.
What You’ll Learn
- Why Does Your Business Need a Smoking Policy?
- How Much Does Smoking In The Workplace Actually Cost Your Business?
- How To Create A Smoke-Free Workplace Policy (+Template)
- Provide Resources For Employees Looking To Quit
Why Does Your Business Need a Smoking Policy?
Okay. Let’s cut to the chase. Someone smoking at work doesn’t just impact them. Secondhand smoke, longer breaks, and health problems all affect your business.
Here’s the problem. Most businesses either have no policy or their smoking policy isn’t enforced. Neither is acceptable.
That means you risk creating tension between smokers/non-smokers. What’s more… Businesses that allow smoking on the premises are inviting legal troubles.
As of January 2025, 38 states had laws regulating smoke-free workplaces, restaurants, or bars. This means if you’re running a business without a solid smoking policy you’re already behind the curve.
Whether employees enjoy premium tobacco or more affordable cigarette brands like native cigarettes, everyone should be held to the same standards. Remember… It’s not about what employees are smoking. It’s about where they smoke at work.
Employees smoking outside of company guidelines can cause your business to:
- Lose productivity
- Have unhealthy employees
- Get fined if your state has smoke-free laws
Simple stuff. Let’s look at how smoking really affects your business’s bottom line.
How Much Does Smoking In The Workplace Actually Cost Your Business?
If you guessed “more than you think” you’d be correct.
Did you know that employers pay significantly more for employees that smoke?
According to Ohio State University, employers pay about $5,816 more per year for employees who smoke vs non-smokers. This takes into account smoking breaks, lost productivity, absenteeism, healthcare costs, and more.
Here’s an example.
Let’s pretend your business has 20 employees that smoke. Because of their habit, you’re going to pay over $116,000 more per year to employ those 20 people.
That money could be spent on improving your business, raising employee wages, or hundreds of other places. Instead, it’s going to cover the cost of smoking.
Employees who don’t smoke can also feel resentful when coworkers take excessive smoking breaks. Not only does this create tension in the workplace, but can cost your business productivity.
Smokers may even feel targeted if your policy isn’t clear or logically enacted.
This is exactly why you need a policy that both parties can agree on.
How To Create A Smoke-Free Workplace Policy (+Template)
So, how do you go about creating a workplace smoking policy that will actually be followed?
Great question!
It all comes down to keeping things fair and realistic. Your policy needs to be clear-cut and easy to follow for everyone.
Here’s how to create a smoking policy employees will appreciate…
Define Smoking Areas
As mentioned earlier, you should always allocate smoking areas for employees. When choosing where these areas will be you need to consider:
- Distance from entrances/exits
- Distance from air intake vents/windows
- Proper signage
Creating specific smoking zones keeps non-smokers away from secondhand smoke. It also provides smokers with a comfortable place to take their breaks.
Align Smoke Breaks With Regular Break Times
You should also require that smoking occurs during normal break times.
Believe it or not, this is a huge contention between smokers and non-smokers. Many employees feel smokers are allowed to take extra time off just to smoke.
If your business offers 2 fifteen minute breaks per day, that’s when smoking should occur.
Encourage smokers to only take smoke breaks during these times. That way, everyone is receiving equal break time.
Document Your Policy In Writing
Nothing is official if it’s not written down.
Put your complete smoking policy in the employee handbook. Include:
- Smoking areas
- Allowed break times
- Consequences for not following policy
- Any local/state laws that apply
This eliminates confusion and ensures every employee knows what they can and cannot do when it comes to smoking.
Don’t Forget E-Cigarettes/Vaping
Ah yes… one final item most businesses forget to mention in their smoking policies.
Electronic cigarettes and vaping are tobacco products too! You should still require employees that vape to do so in your established smoking areas.
Much like regular cigarettes, the aerosol from vape devices can impact other employees. Not including them in your policy only leaves you open to conflicts later on.
Provide Resources For Employees Looking To Quit
Ok. So you’ve crafted the perfect smoking policy.
Great job! But are you done yet?
What about employees that want to quit smoking but need some extra help?
This is where most businesses fail.
While creating a strict policy is one way to limit employee smoking. Providing them with resources to quit shows you actually care about their wellbeing.
Think about it this way…
If you make your employee feel supported and want to quit smoking, they’ll be more likely to actually do it. That means one less smoker for your business to deal with.
Here are some things you can do to provide that extra assistance:
Provide Cessation Programs
Work with your local clinics or insurance provider to find cessation programs in your area. These programs are made to help smokers kick the habit for good.
Allow Flexible Scheduling
If possible, allow employees to take time off to attend cessation appointments.
Provide Educational Resources
Employees may not know all the benefits of quitting. Send out informational resources on how quitting can improve their health.
Providing any of these materials can drastically improve your employee’s desire to quit smoking.
Build A Smoke-Free Workplace Today
So there you have it. Now you know how to build a fair and equal smoking policy for your business.
Once again, here are the steps to take:
- Define designated smoking areas
- Align smoke breaks with normal break times
- Put your policy in writing
- Don’t forget to include vaping
- Provide resources for employees wanting to quit
Businesses that understand and implement these concepts gain amazing rewards. Lower expenses, happy employees, and a smoke-free work environment.
Don’t wait for an issue to arise. Take action now and start building your workplace smoking policy today!
