In many states, smoking laws have been adopted banning smoking altogether. Smoking in public places, including workplaces altogether is prohibited. This is hard for many employees who use smoking as a way of reducing stress. Employers cannot discriminate against employees that smoke during nonbusiness hours.
It is important to know the law in the state that you are in. For example in the state of Indiana bans smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces, as well as restaurants, nursing facilities and mental health facilities. Since many people smoke as a way to deal with stress, stress management would be a good start for employers to help their employees.
Teaching your employees better ways to deal with stress and trying to make the working environment as stress free as possible, are things that an employer can do to help reduce smoking. Although you may have a ban on smoking in the workplace the employee may still be smoking on breaks. There are four A’s that can help when dealing with stress.
- Avoid preventable stress
- Alter the situation
- Adapt to the stressor
- Accept the things you cannot change
Giving employees other ways of dealing with the stress in the workplace may help employees who smoke because of stress. Other ways that employers can help to reduce job stress is by improving communication with the employees. Friendly and proficient communication, and clearly defined roles and tasks for the employees will help.
Consulting the employees in decisions that affect their jobs, like scheduling, is an important step employers can take to help open the lines of communications. Show the employees that they are appreciated, and give rewards and incentives can help make the workplace less stressful. Cultivating a friendly atmosphere is so important in reducing stress in the workplace. As an employer, helping your employees deal with the triggers of stress may help to reduce the urge to smoke while at work.
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