Is it fair that workers take a break for a smoko?

For most of us old enough to remember the Australian workplace prior to the 1990’s, it’s a downright relief to see workers walking out the door for a smoko. 

It is not so long ago that there was an incessant waft of cigarette smoke within the office building. 

Then the unthinkable occurred.  Smoking was banned in all Australian government workplaces.  The smokers went into denial. They gathered in building stairwells for their smoko, plotting their revenge.

Cold, hard reality hit when they were eventually sent scurrying to the footpath.  But the indignation of being shunned by their colleagues did not stop the last gaspers.  The footpath smoko has now become an entrenched institution.

Over the years, the legislation has strengthened around the country.  Smoking is now banned in all enclosed workplaces, including pubs, clubs and gaming venues.

The legislation has had a dramatic impact on the number of workers kicking the habit.  However, many employers are frustrated by those who still observe the ritual trip to the footpath.

In some workplaces, management and non-smokers alike, gripe about the unfairness of smokos and the impact of lost productivity.

Get over it.  The smoko is etched into the Australian psyche.  It’s part of our vernacular.  Whether it’s on the footpath or around the vending machine, workers need short breaks away from their desks.

Just as road safety authorities encourage drivers to take a break every two hours of a journey, so too, workers need a quick revival.  Mental alertness is restored by moving away from a desk or workstation.

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology research shows that several short work breaks are more effective in terms of productivity than one long rest break.

Tasks requiring a high degree of concentration require frequent breaks to minimise fatigue and human error. 

The research has shown employees whose work is closely monitored and do not have a break over a two hour period have a 20% reduction in efficiency. 

Whether it’s a break that includes a sprint to the footpath for a quick puff, grabbing a snack or a cup of coffee, it needs to be viewed in a reasonable context.

The break time for smokers (or coffee drinkers) also serves an important social function.  Important work and social information is shared informally between all levels of the organisation.  They are like brothers in arms sharing a smoko in the trenches.

Footy results, work issues and reporting deadlines all get tossed around in an atmosphere of camaraderie.  They return to their desk refreshed and ready for a productive session of work.

The time out for the smoko should not be the issue.   Lost productivity due to health related illnesses of smokers?  Now that’s an entirely different argument.

Managers should encourage a healthy lifestyle for all employees. The best approach is probably to encourage smokers to quit the habit rather than over-police short breaks in the work day.