As a business owner, it’s important to decide what is and isn’t allowed at your workplace. This covers various aspects like employee dress code, unapproved overtime, where staff can take breaks, and whether smoking or vaping is permitted on the property.
Unless instructed otherwise, many people assume they can smoke or vape anywhere outside the building, and some might even vape in the bathroom. Since vaping doesn’t produce smoke like tobacco cigarettes, many think it’s okay to vape indoors. While vaping might help people quit smoking, it can be annoying to others in the workplace.
Here are some key points to consider when deciding whether to allow vaping at work:
1. **Office Setup**
The layout of your office can influence your decision. If your office is part of a larger complex in a busy shopping center, allowing vaping outside might be fine. Employees can vape in the parking lot or their cars without disturbing anyone. However, if your building has an inner courtyard where people frequently walk around, eat lunch, or socialize, it’s probably better not to allow vaping. In such cases, employees can walk to the parking lot to vape during their lunch breaks.
2. **Lease Agreement Restrictions**
Check your lease to see if smoking is allowed on the property. If there’s a no-smoking clause, you might want to include vaping in that restriction. Vapes, even though they don’t produce smoke, can damage building interiors and pose a fire risk if left plugged in too long. If vaping is allowed, specify that vapes shouldn’t be charged in the office.
According to a study, 57.7% of people have seen coworkers vaping indoors, including while working. If you don’t ban vaping, expect this to happen at your workplace. If your lease doesn’t restrict smoking, you have more options. Still, it’s best to follow state and local laws, like not smoking or vaping within 20-30 feet of an operable window or door. Create a designated smoking area if you allow vaping, and decide whether to provide a separate space for vapers to avoid tempting them back into smoking.
3. **Employee Retention**
Many people vape to quit smoking. An outright ban on vaping might lead some employees to look for another job. For those struggling with smoking addiction, vaping might be their only support, and they might not be able to quit easily. They might feel forced to find another job if vaping isn’t allowed.
4. **Vaping Breaks**
If you allow smokers additional breaks, you’ll likely need to offer the same for vapers. While you’re not legally required to provide these breaks, employees appreciate them. If you allow vaping, expect more people to take “smoke breaks” throughout the day. Set specific rules on how long these breaks can be, how many are allowed per day, and under what conditions.
Ultimately, whether to allow or ban vaping is your choice. Just ensure your vaping and smoking policies are clear so everyone understands the rules.
