Report: Employees Spend an Average of 8 Minutes Per Day on Each Smoking Break

Several studies have shown that tobacco use not only negatively affects employee productivity but also leads to increased costs for employers.

According to a report published by Pivot, the direct costs of smoking in the workplace are as follows:

Absenteeism

The average sick leave rate for smokers is 31% higher compared to non-smokers, with smokers taking an average of three or more sick days annually.

This lost time significantly harms employees’ earnings and work schedules, especially in companies with shift-based employees.

Decreased Productivity

Smoking breaks in the workplace are one of the most common forms of unnecessary employee presence. Some employees spend an average of 8 minutes daily on each smoking break.

However, in industries where tobacco use is widespread, a smoking employee spends an average of 73 minutes daily on smoking breaks.

Indirect Effects of Smoking in the Workplace

Property Insurance

The cost of property insurance is higher in workplaces that allow smoking.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that fire insurance costs decreased by 25-30% in smoke-free workplaces.

Secondhand Smoke

Around 20% of non-smoking employees in workplaces are exposed to secondhand smoke at least once a week.

These employees are entitled to file compensation claims related to the health effects of smoke exposure in the workplace.