from Andrey Zavyalov 

I recently was contacted by Andrey who was curious if I’d post an article he would send on possible benefits of ecigs at the workplace.  I was curious, so agreed.  After reviewing the article, I felt it was worth the read and wanted to put the question to the readers.  The following is the article that was submitted.  I found it intriguing that another possible benefit I never considered may just be the support of the management sector.

Benefits of E-Cigs at Work

Since its inception in 2003, electronic cigarettes have seen a steady rise in popularity. The concept is compelling and the results, though short term, are positive overall. One issue in particular has been a source of much debate and discussion. Should electronic cigarettes be allowed at work and if so, what are the benefits?

While companies certainly have a reason to have doubts about allowing the use of electronic cigarettes at work, there are realistic benefits that should be looked at as well.

Combating Withdrawal At Work

Through the use of an electronic cigarette, people working at the company who have already developed a smoking habit and a nicotine addiction can continue to smoke without taking on the risks of using a traditional cigarette.  Not smoking at all has its obvious benefits, but the point here is not to get people to stop smoking, but rather to be smart about smoking and to do so efficiently. This is important because those who are addicted to smoking and nicotine have decreased performance when they don’t get their frequent and daily dose of smoking. They experience withdrawal symptoms which can affect their ability to perform optimally at work. That being said, if there’s a way to maintain a clean work environment and satisfy smokers at the same time, then it should be seriously considered.

Here is a list of symptoms smokers can and/or will experience during withdrawal:

• Cravings to smoke
• Irritable, cranky
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Inability to Concentrate
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Constipation, gas, stomach pain
• Dry mouth
• Sore tongue and/or gums
• Postnasal drip
• Tightness in the chest

(About.com)

Any number of these symptoms can and will cause employees to lose focus and consequentially give sub par results at work. Also, withdrawal induced mood swings will reduce the effectiveness working with co-workers and put a strain work relationships.

How Much Smoking Is Costing the Company

Consider this: Smokers typically have to go outside and take smoke breaks frequently throughout the day and inevitably this takes time out of the day which will take away from productivity. To put things in perspective, let’s take a look at some numbers.

Three 15-minute smoking breaks a day cost employers 195 working hours a year for each worker (Express.Co.UK). If your company’s office hours are from 9 to 5, then that’s approximately 27 full days of worth of work wasted for smoke breaks. The company’s basically paying for 4 weeks’ worth of vacation to no end. In the long run that averages out to 8,677 hours in the average 44-year working lifetime which is nearly a whole year of working hours.

Are Electronic Cigarettes Worth It?

Some companies are afraid that if they allow electronic cigarettes at work, there will be an increase of smokers. Assuming we account for some that some non-smokers do start smoking, the tradeoff is having more smokers, but a huge leap in production. They had their entire life up to where they are now to choose not to smoke so often times, this will not be the case. If anything, electronic cigarettes promote a healthier and more productive work environment. Increased productivity, rising revenues, and a clean way to smoke: What’s not to like?

DFW Vapor is a local business that specializes in providing quality electronic cigarette products, e-liquids, accessories, and promotes the awareness of electronic cigarette safety and benefits.

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