In recent years, smokers have found their habit increasingly marginalized at the office. Once smokers were free to exhale clouds of nicotine-scented smoke wherever they saw fit. Now, smoking in the workplace is a tricky thing that's just as likely to draw resentment as accomodation.

Vault decided to investigate just how smokers cope with today's more restrictive workplace. We discovered how many non-smokers resented their smoking coworker's habit and frequent breaks, how many smoking breaks the average smoker takes in a given day, what percentage of HR professionals and managers violate their own company's smoking policy, and more.


Employee Survey Results




FAIRNESS OF SMOKING POLICY
Do you think your smoking policy is fair?



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COMPLAINTS
What is your biggest complaint about smokers in the workplace?



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SMOKING NUISANCE
Do smokers in the workplace bother you?



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FAIRNESS OF SMOKING POLICY
Do you think your smoking policy is fair?



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SMOKE BREAKS
How many smoke breaks are smokers taking during the workday?



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EMPLOYEE REACTION
Do other employees complain about your smoking habits?



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SMOKING POLICY
What are your company's policies or accepted practices regarding smoking in the workplace?



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NUMBER OF SMOKERS IN COMPANY
What percentage of employees in your company smoke?



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WHERE DO YOU STAND
Which of the following best describes your status when if comes to smoking?



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Employer Survey Results


FAIRNESS OF SMOKING POLICY
What do employers' think of their smoking policies?



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PRODUCTIVITY
Do employers think smokers are less productive?



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SMOKE BREAKS
Which of the following best describes your company's policy regarding smoking breaks?



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WHERE DO YOU STAND
Which of the following best describes your status when it comes to smoking?



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Share your smoking - and nonsmoking - experiences here.
Do you smoke in the office? Or do you hate those who indulge in the demon weed?



The Straight Story on Lighting Up
The fast summary of the findings of the Vault Smoking at Work Survey 2000.



Smoking in the Workplace: Still a Burning Issue
Can a two-pack a day habit give you protected status under the law? Or can you fire an employee for lighting up after work? Get the skinny on nicotine law.



Non-smokers comments on the fairness of the smoking policy
"It is unfair to grant extra 'breaks' just because they have an addiction."



Smokers Talk about Their Productivity
"Smoking breaks allow you to take a step back and reflect on your current project. non-smokers have no reason to complain..."



The Consequences of Breaking a Smoking Policy
"The individual's manager will give a verbal warning, if they continue, they will receive a written warning ... if they continue they lose all smoking privileges for an allotted amount of time."