Want your best employees to stick around longer?
31% higher sick-leave rates among employees who smoke could be getting to you if you allow workplace smoking. Here's what most employers don't realize…
Safe smoking areas aren't just a legal or health requirement, they're a retention tool.
With voluntary turnover rates soaring, employers are getting creative to keep employees. And something as simple as smoking areas and policies may be your key to longer retention.
Here's what we'll be covering:
- The critical importance of safe smoking areas for employee retention
- The surprising link between non-smoking policies and turnover
- Retention case studies from companies with excellent non-smoking policies
- What to look for in an effective smoking area
Why Safe Smoking Areas Are Critical to Retention
Smokers earn 20% less than non-smokers on average. In addition to pay discrimination, smokers also face discrimination in hiring and increasing limits on where they can smoke.
Your smoking employees already feel marginalized at work.
But by offering a safe and designated smoking area, you're sending a clear signal that you value them as people, not just as workers.
Stress relief is a huge part of the reason why your employees smoke. In addition to cheaper prices, menthol cigarettes Canada offers a much more pleasing smoking experience.
But there's more to it than that.
By providing a safe and comfortable place to smoke, you can cut down on lost time when employees go out to smoke. They don't have to look for a long time to find a spot. No more awkward conversations or shaming.
Safe smoking areas can actually help improve relations between smoking and non-smoking employees as well.
When smokers have a place to go, non-smokers don't have to be subjected to secondhand smoke.
What Employers Don't See
Employees who smoke aren't leaving because of the smoking area. But if they feel disrespected at work, they may find it easier to move on when another opportunity arises.
A safe and comfortable smoking area is one way to show employees that you respect them.
Retention Tips: The Secret Link Between Amenities and Retention
89% of employees report that the physical space they work in affects their productivity.
The same is true of your smoking policy
Prospective employees know that a better job offer will come along if they wait.
Creating an environment where smokers feel welcome with a good smoking area can help you win the retention battle.
Top retention companies know that people evaluate a job offer based on the full experience. Not just pay.
Smoking policies and the quality of the smoking area are a part of that overall experience. A good smoking area shows employees that you care about them as individuals.
Company culture is now the #1 driver of retention. Create a culture that shows employees you care about them.
Use Policies to Reduce Turnover and Gain Loyalty
The smartest employers know that approximately 20% of non-smokers still report secondhand smoke exposure at work.
Creating a designated smoking area where smokers know they can go is an easy fix to this problem.
But here's the secret sauce…
Top employers include their smoking policy as part of their overall employee value proposition. It becomes part of the pitch they make to new hires.
Employers who want to retain their staff craft their smoking policies as part of a retention strategy. They highlight their care for employees during the recruitment process. Job candidates know the salary difference between companies is often marginal. Details like this can be the tipping point.
Tips: Make Smoking Policies Part of Employee Care Initiatives
The employers with the best retention have employee-focused policies that cover a lot of bases:
- Policies are clearly worded and everyone knows them
- Smoking areas are safe, convenient, and comfortable
- Policies are fair and protect both smokers and non-smokers
- There is an open line of communication about any updates
Employees know they are being heard. You get to keep your employees longer.
How to Create Smoking Areas That Work
Most employers get this completely wrong. Smoking areas are often the last thought when designing a work environment. They usually just put out a bucket and stick the area in a corner of the parking lot.
If you do that, you're just going through the motions. You're not making a retention play.
Smoking Areas That Work
Location, location, location. When you're building your smoking area, keep these factors in mind:
- It's accessible from work areas and easy to get to
- It's well-lit for safety no matter the hour
- It's shielded from the elements when possible
- It's a comfortable distance away from building entrances and air intakes
Comfort counts
Add a few simple things to show you care:
- Basic seating or standing space
- Appropriate ash disposal options
- Minimal weather protection
- Clear and visible signage
You'll notice that:
- There are less employee complaints about smoking-related issues
- Managers spend less time dealing with smoking policy complaints
- Employees get along better without smoking-related conflict
- Employee satisfaction scores on surveys go up
The Business Case for Good Smoking Policies
Employers spend an estimated $3,077 per year in lost productivity for employee smokers. That's just part of the cost of employee smoking.
Better smoking areas can help you drive down that number by:
- Reducing the time employees spend searching for a place to smoke
- Cutting down on employee conflict requiring management
- Improving workplace culture overall
- Demonstrating inclusive and caring leadership
Retention savings are significant when you calculate that replacing an employee costs you 50-200% of that person's salary.
If you keep just one employee per year by having better smoking policies, you'll make your money back.
Companies with strong employee care reputations also attract better quality candidates.
Retention Mistakes to Avoid
Most companies make one or more of these mistakes with their smoking policies.
Neglecting Smoking Policy
Employers often make the mistake of ignoring the smoking issue. Or having no smoking policy at all. Employees often get fired over smoking-related issues when there are no policies to follow.
No Thoughtful Smoking Areas
It's easy to make your smoking area an ugly, uncomfortable space. Choose a place far away from entrances with no shelter or seating.
And if you use ash trays, use the ones that burn cigarettes and require employees to find fire.
Inconsistent Policies
Employers can also screw up by not being consistent in policy enforcement. Make up new rules as issues arise.
Employees will see this as unfair and are more likely to look for a job where things are more clear.
Best Practice: Respect-Based Smoking Policies
Forward-thinking employers craft policies that show they respect both smoking and non-smoking employees.
Tips for Making the Right Changes
Are you ready to make improvements to your company smoking policy? Follow these steps:
- Survey employees to assess satisfaction with the smoking policy
- Select location and plan out amenities
- Draft a policy and communicate with employees
The Right Mindset: Smoking Policies As Employee Care
Retaining employees isn't just about compliance. It's about creating a work environment where your employees feel like they matter.
Wrapping It Up
Your employees can choose to work for an employer who values them as whole people. Or they can choose to work for an employer who only sees them as resources.
Which type of employer are you?
By creating a smoking policy and environment that shows your employees you respect them, you'll get better retention and culture. The investment is low. The impact can be significant.
Take the first step in planning your smoking policies and environment today. Your employees will notice. Your retention will thank you.
