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To be honest, the one that can truly do anything about this is the employer. They can institute smoking areas away from doors and passage ways. So drop by HR and ask them what is their policy or view in regards to smoking. I'd go armed with some research first, especially to see what protections and restrictions your state has against 2nd hand smoke.
Many states have acts or regulations limiting the exposure of non-smokers to smoker's habits, as well as concentrating where smokers can smoke. For example, in MD, it is not permitted to smoke indoors or in open areas to public. Some counties go as far as not allowing smokers to smoke within X feet of entrances of public buildings (I can't recall the exact number, but far enough non-smokers do not have to suffer smoke). People found violating these laws can be reprimanded and fined, up to a civil penalty. Additionally, again, under MD regulations, retaliation against an employee who complains about smoke or smoke exposure is illegal and heavily fined.
Over the years I've witnessed many smokers take incredibly long smoke breaks. 1 guy went outside every hour at ten of, like clockwork. His officemate that didn't smoke use to go out there with him. I guess he kept him company.
In some offices a trip to the smoking area includes getting your coat, walking over to the elevator, taking the elevator down, walk outside, light up, smoke, chit chat with other smokers, smoke some more, walk back in, take the elevator back up, hang coat up, stop by the rest room, finally get back to their desk.
It's a massive waste of time. Best not to hire them or let the non smokers leave an hour early. Fair is fair.
We've got any number of non-smoking Candy Crushers at work, even the Charge Nurse! Some find their hiding spots, like the Shower Rooms on the halls, and some do it blatantly. And? They're wasting company time! Yet, they're not penalized, ostracized like smokers who run outside for a smoke!
I'm now down to smoking half-cigarettes, so my run to the outside smoking area is now only 3-4-5 minutes, but I do not own an Ipad or Smartphone, don't play Candy Crush!
Wasting company time is wasting company time is wasting company time!
Let me start by saying I couldn't care less if you choose to smoke. That's on you...usually.
I work at an office building where there are very strict rules about the amount of perfume or cologne a person is allowed to wear. Basically, if someone complains about it, it's too much! This was in the employee manual. A guy who used to work here was actually confronted about his BO and was told to bring a stick of deodorant with him to work. These are all considered acceptable means by which the employer can try to make things comfortable and the air fresh and breathable inside the office.
Yet, the only thing done about smokers is that they have to go outside to smoke their cigarettes.
The problem of course is that, especially for some reason as it gets colder, that stench of smoke doesn't leave them at the door, it comes into the office. Then people like me who don't smoke have to smell that garbage linger in the air.
The smoke breaks outside are getting pretty ridiculous, if most employees are seen away from their desk or offices talking on their cell phones multiple times a day the bosses would get pissed, but a smoker can get up and go outside and chat on their cell several times a day and no one says anything.
Has anyone here done anything to effectively take care of these problems? The biggest issue for me is the smell, but outside of telling people they can't smoke at work period (which I would not have a problem with) I can't think of anything that would eliminate this disgusting issue.
Your building should have a policy of a designated smoking area outside a decent distance from the building. Or make it a NO SMOKING PROPERTY.
Your employer should not allow endless breaks. Everyone should be given the same amount of break time.
The people who smell of smoke should be told about it IF your company does the same thing for perfume or body odor.
Let me start by saying I couldn't care less if you choose to smoke. That's on you...usually.
I work at an office building where there are very strict rules about the amount of perfume or cologne a person is allowed to wear. Basically, if someone complains about it, it's too much! This was in the employee manual. A guy who used to work here was actually confronted about his BO and was told to bring a stick of deodorant with him to work. These are all considered acceptable means by which the employer can try to make things comfortable and the air fresh and breathable inside the office.
Yet, the only thing done about smokers is that they have to go outside to smoke their cigarettes.
The problem of course is that, especially for some reason as it gets colder, that stench of smoke doesn't leave them at the door, it comes into the office. Then people like me who don't smoke have to smell that garbage linger in the air.
The smoke breaks outside are getting pretty ridiculous, if most employees are seen away from their desk or offices talking on their cell phones multiple times a day the bosses would get pissed, but a smoker can get up and go outside and chat on their cell several times a day and no one says anything.
Has anyone here done anything to effectively take care of these problems? The biggest issue for me is the smell, but outside of telling people they can't smoke at work period (which I would not have a problem with) I can't think of anything that would eliminate this disgusting issue.
How I wish my employer would have implemented a policy regarding use of cologne or perfume in the workplace! For many, many years I suffered from being near the stench of fragrances (and mainly because those were the 'chemicals' used in those cheap fragrances). I begged my employer to please do something, and all I received was the 'deer-in-the-headlight' stare.
As far as cig smoke, it can be very offensive to non-smokers; and other than the smoker changing their attire before re-entering the office, there's not much one can do. As one mentioned, some companies refuse to hire smokers....I'll tell ya though, I would have preferred to smell cig smoke vs. cheap perfume/cologne. Some people marinate themselves and the toxic waste hangs like a cloud in the room.
Over the years I've witnessed many smokers take incredibly long smoke breaks. 1 guy went outside every hour at ten of, like clockwork. His officemate that didn't smoke use to go out there with him. I guess he kept him company.
In some offices a trip to the smoking area includes getting your coat, walking over to the elevator, taking the elevator down, walk outside, light up, smoke, chit chat with other smokers, smoke some more, walk back in, take the elevator back up, hang coat up, stop by the rest room, finally get back to their desk.
It's a massive waste of time. Best not to hire them or let the non smokers leave an hour early. Fair is fair.
This. When I worked in NYC ...the "local" elevator took FOREVER. It was easily 5 minutes a trip. And that was just to get outside to smoke for 10 minutes or more and then wait again to ride back up. (God forbid anyone would take the stairs....) It absolutely baffled me how all this break time was not an issue for the employer... we nonsmokers didn't get that time "off". I think your "nonsmokers leave early" idea is a great one!
Many employers around my area no longer allow smoking on company property. This solves two problems: 1)The smoke smell and nonsmokers complaining and 2)Smokers abusing smoke breaks and taking multiple smoke breaks each day leading to loss in productivity.
Bring up a no smoking on company property policy with management. It is a win win unless of course you are a smoker.
Smoking is not technically allowed by staff on my entire campus, but a handful do it. That said, if you smoked on your way into work in the morning on your commute, you're going to reek all day. At this point, no one in my office smokes but in my previous office (at the same employer), there were people who worked on the other side of the office that you could smell long before you could see them. I know these people did not take smoke breaks, except possibly at lunch. Most of us would do anything we could to not have to work with these people because of the stale smoke smell.
I'll admit - I'm particularly sensitive to the smell. The smell of cigarette smoke makes me physically nauseous, even to the point of gagging. It's mostly psychological from having to go visit grandparents who smoked as a kid. My parents kept a spare change of clothes in the car so we could all quickly change because the secondhand smoke lingered on us - even though my grandparents were not allowed to actively smoke in front of us. One of those grandmothers died a particularly agnonized death from lung cancer.
Just ask them to wash their hands and chew some gum. People waste time sitting at their desks, so wasting time is a challenge but the smell can be dealt with.
I smoked from 1962 until 2004, sometimes as much as three packs per day. It took me 6 attempts to finally kick the habit. I wasn't a Nazi about my smoking then, and I'm not a Nazi about not smoking now. Having spent considerable time on both sides of this, I think I know a bit about it.
Back then my sense of smell was quite impaired -- I couldn't figure out what the nonsmokers were complaining about. Now, every day, I smell quite a number of things that I couldn't smell then, and would really rather not smell now...
Among them is cigarette smoke which, even if it is "fresh", isn't pleasant. Heavy smokers smell like stale ash trays, even if they've washed their hands and used breath mints. You see, the smoke is in their clothing and hair, and the tar and oils are on their faces, necks, ears, etc.
Smokers, please understand that some people really ARE allergic to cigarette smoke and that cigarette smell. Understand that it can trigger or worsen asthma attacks. Simply washing your hands and popping a couple of breath mints doesn't work. Also, please use a little awareness and sensitivity when addressing or responding to smoking issues with nonsmokers. If you make them angry or put them on the defensive, all communication is over.
Nonsmokers, please realize that smoking is more than just a habit. It has been said that nicotine addiction is more difficult to break than heroin addiction and, since nicotine is legal, much more insidious. Use a little awareness and sensitivity when addressing smoking issues with smokers. You DON'T want to make them angry or put them on the defensive. If you do, all communication is over.
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"That's MY opinion; oughta be YOURS!" -- syndicated radio humorist Red Neckerson
Last edited by Nighteyes; 11-27-2013 at 11:39 AM..
Drinking booze is also legal and has been legal for many years, provided you are over the legal drinking age. That does not, however, stop an employer from booting your ass if you show up reeking of alcohol.
You're right...I guess an overriding policy should be enforced for all recreational drug use...tobacco included. Probably just 'not on company time'.
... and launder their clothes and shampoo their hair.
As a smoker, I wonder, is it really that bad?
Did you know that red meat makes you smell bad? It's noticeable when you stop eating it but meat eaters don't typically know...(or in my case, care...)
Should someone go into HR and be like "hey, meat eaters give off a smell i don't really like, can we stop hiring them?...after all, I find the smell offensive, as do others."
It's not the same exact thing, but the reasons why are. Why is it one case, it's acceptable..even encouraged, apparently...and in the other, it's absurd?
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