Employees often seek moments of respite to alleviate stress and recharge their minds. However, for many smokers, these breaks come in the form of smoking sessions, which can have detrimental effects on both productivity and overall well-being. 

A recent study conducted by Nicokick, a leading e-commerce company in the smokeless industry, sheds light on the negative impact of workplace smoking breaks and emphasises the importance of promoting constructive breaks that do not disrupt the workday significantly. 

The study, based on data collected from over 2,000 participants nationwide, reveals intriguing insights into employees' smoking habits and their effects on productivity. Surprisingly, 57% of respondents admitted to using smoking as a mental break, while 41% saw it as an opportunity to change their environment. 

However, despite the perceived benefits of smoking breaks, the study also found that over 60% of participants cited workplace smoking as a significant barrier to quitting. Markus Lindblad, Nicokick's head of legal and external affairs, highlights the crucial role of high-stress environments in driving employees to seek relief through smoking breaks. 

He emphasises the importance of prioritising productive breaks to prevent the detrimental effects of consistent smoking on both physical and mental well-being. Lindblad's insights underscore the need for employers to foster a workplace culture that encourages healthy coping mechanisms and stress management techniques. 

One of the most alarming findings of the study is the significant amount of time that smokers spend on smoking breaks during work hours. On average, smokers take 4.6 breaks per workday, each lasting approximately 7.2 minutes. 

This totals to a staggering 143.45 hours annually, equivalent to over three weeks of paid time off solely dedicated to smoking breaks. Such statistics highlight the potential productivity loss associated with smoking in the workplace and underscore the urgency for employers to address this issue. 

Furthermore, the study identifies certain industries with particularly high smoking rates among employees. Sectors such as retail, catering and leisure, IT and telecommunications, and healthcare stand out for their prevalence of smoking in the workplace. 

This serves as a wake-up call for employers in these industries to implement measures aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing smoking-related behaviours among their workforce. 

As businesses strive to recover post-pandemic and navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving work landscape, prioritising workplace wellness becomes paramount. Lindblad emphasises the need for companies to revaluate their policies regarding smoke breaks and consider alternative approaches to promoting employee well-being. 

By encouraging healthier coping mechanisms and providing resources for stress management, employers can create a more supportive work environment that benefits both employees and the organisation as a whole.