How Can I Politely Stop Coworkers from Smoking in Our Small Office Space?

Hello to all,

I am working in a small organization, and the working space is also a small hall where some of the employees smoke even after repeated requests. Kindly suggest how to tell them in a formal way not to smoke or if there can be any policy made regarding this. It's urgent since I cannot tolerate the smoke anymore.

Thank you,
Suruchi

Hi,

I feel a mail could be sent in general to all employees, which highlights the inconvenience caused to others by smoking in the office area. You may also inform them through mail/posters in a lighter tone that employees found smoking shall be charged a fine of Rs. 100.00. Furthermore, you may also put up pictures and phrases in critical areas in your office stating "NO SMOKING ZONE" or "DON'T SMOKE - LIVE & LET LIVE."

One step ahead, you may even organize a session by any doctors or institutions on the hazards of smoking for employees. I believe the first three options may work out better.

Kayal

Suruchi,

You can create a policy regarding this issue. If you have designated smoking areas (such as sit-outs or corridors) in your office premises, apart from the work area, then you can instruct individuals to smoke only in those areas to prevent inconvenience to others. Employees who do not adhere to this policy will face disciplinary actions implemented by the management.

Regards,

Vamsidhar

Hi,

This is to bring to your kind notice that there is no rule for the smoking area because you cannot allow anyone to smoke in the office premises. Therefore, you can only do one thing: allow them to go outside the office during tea breaks as well as during lunch hour. If someone is smoking in the office, you should implement a fine rule (of high value). Enforce it strictly. You will certainly benefit from this.

Thank you.

Hello Rajendra,

Thank you for getting back to me. Your suggestion is well taken. I have identified a smoking area and will fine employees not adhering to the rules.

Thank you.
Regards,
Suruchi

1) Smoke detectors are a method of fire detection.

2) The act of smoking in a public place has been banned, so you may very well start penalizing people. Initially, the government fine is Rs 100/-.

3) If possible, start a smoking cessation program for employees who are smokers. This is a worldwide best practice to avoid any harassment or discrimination of smokers.

Surya

An Add-on;

I noticed in Spectramind, Okhla, they have a small cafeteria especially meant for smokers on the ground floor and equipped with powerful exhaust fans, thus causing no discomfort to anyone. Check out any business convention or workshop... Even if the entire building is smoke-free, they go to great lengths to accommodate delegates who smoke in a corner.

However, there are industries wherein the same is banned as it could be catastrophic. One of my clients has a printing and dyeing mill with dispensing pumps for petrol, propane, solvent, etc., within the premises where smoking can wreak havoc.