There’s an old episode of Friends, where Rachel pretends to be a smoker just to interact with her boss and coworkers during smoking breaks. While its intent was for satire, there is some truth to that camaraderie. Smoking breaks, in essence, are small breaks scattered throughout a workday where smokers can cure a nicotine fix outside and then head back to their desks. Sure, theoretically the breaks are for cigarettes, but there’s more that happens within those five or so minutes. Employees get to briefly leave their work stations, talk to each other, and take a moment to themselves a few times each day. Most employers have no problem with this, though, the sight of a non-smoking employee randomly getting up throughout the day to go stand outside might be a cause for concern. It shouldn’t be. In fact, studies have shown that short pauses from work throughout the day actually increase productivity. Here are some tips on how to add some “smoking breaks” for your non-smoking employees. After all, everyone deserves a breather, regardless of whether or not they’re holding a cigarette.
Rename The “Smoking Break”
In your employee handbook, change the concept of smoking breaks by suggesting small breaks in general. Call them something else: “A moment to yourself,” or perhaps, “Prep Time.” Specify these breaks by frequency and quantity. Maybe three five-minute breaks a day in addition to lunch? Also, mention the reasons: mental clarity, time to socialize, and yes, smoking too. This makes all employees feel like they’re not only entitled to some down time, but also encouraged to use it.
Have Office Perks To Encourage A Break
Maybe it’s playing five minutes of calming music over the intercom for an office-wide meditation or perhaps a set time for coffee and chats. Whatever the option, employees will get that brief moment to relax. Who knows, it may get some employees to kick their smoking habits by wanting to engage in the other perks instead.
The “Break Room”
Many traditional companies merge the break room with the lunchroom, while more modern companies have separate rooms to mark the occasions. A lunchroom should not be the place where employees relax, nor should a break room be where some employees eat and others don’t. You’ll provide more positive moments for your employees if they don’t feel the pressure of having to eat every time they want a few minutes to themselves.
Measure Progress
It’s important to see the results in the demeanors of employees and their relationships with one another. If it helps productivity, an extra break added on might not hurt either. The goal is to create a better office environment where everyone feels embraced.