Smoking Mad about A Smoking CoWorker

[Alice P.]

I am not bashing all smokers, it is your choice.  But don't do what my co worker does. (and IS doing right now, WAS doing less then an hour ago and WILL be doing soon after.)  I have a co worker who constantly has to smoke a cigarette.  The more stressed she is the more she smokes.  She isn't keeping up with her work because she is OUT smoking frigging most the day.  Then she comes back reeking of smoke (which is disgusting in itself).  This is stressing her out, so yes she goes out an smokes.   Each incident is 10 to 15 minutes, on the hour every hour.  Throw in the occasional 30 minute break.  I guess I don't understand the addiction part of it. 

Her work is her work and doesn't affect me, her going to get let go from it doesn't affect me, but the constant complaining when she is at her desk does!  Ok I feel somewhat better letting off some steam and back to my work!  Oh wait, here she comes back from her latest break, time to her more whining.   Maybe if I put on my ipod ear phones she will think I am listening to music.

[Cathy S]

This is one of those difficult office situations Alice ... employers allow their employees to take breaks to smoke, but it is expected that it will be within reason.  Your colleague seems to be taking advantage of the 'freedom'. 

You are right in that it is an addiction and an habit ... addiction is a medical condition and is generally only resolved with intervention and support.

So whatever you do or say it could appear unsympathetic, angry, as if you are feeling unfairly treated ... however that shouldn't mean you have to put up with the situation.  Regardless of whether the work impacts on you, her stress (complaining) and the smell of smoke coming back into your working environment is having an impact.

Do you have supervisory staff in common? you could raise it there

or

Perhaps you have a company suggestion scheme or forum? you could initiate some dialogue on a general level about acceptable smoking practices (time taken, smell in the office)

Failing either of those options you may have to take a deep breath and speak directly with your colleague - keeping it to the facts that directly impact on you ... not an easy option but it is surely better than getting so stressed about it yourself?

Cathy

[gee4]

My previous company did not permit smoking breaks.  Instead we had an hour for lunch and every time you wanted to have a cigarette, you took 10 mins off your lunch break.

I think it was a much fairer way of doing things.  After all why should smokers have extra time away from their desks just because they have an addiction.

[rose.winter1980]

How well do you know/get on with this co-worker?  It seems to me that what you describe is indicative of something deeper.  You mention stress and complaining.  Now, we all, I am sure, know a few people who whinge.  Indeed, I would go so far as to say that some people appear not to be able to function without complaining.  They don't, I am sure, realize the effect that the drip-drip of complaints is uncomfortable and all we remember about them.  There is no need for you to suffer in silence. 

If your colleague is full of negativity then you would be doing her and yourself a great service if you could approach her about it.  You might say that you notice she is unhappy, yadda-yadda, and I'm sure she will open up to you.  She might also be angry, but a little medicine does no-one any harm from time to time.  There may be all sorts of reasons for this lady's negative behaviour, both domestic and work-related, and a combination of problems from both areas can be quite explosive.

With respect to smoking, some companies introduce incentives to stop smoking.  Stopping smoking brings so many health benefits and it means that staff don't have to take smoking breaks.