Message #70568

[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