The effects of the e-cig on employees.

Smoke breaks have led some very controversial discussions over the years, and with the introduction of the e-cig, the matter has become even more blurred. In 2007, the law changes rolled out across the UK meaning you could no longer smoke inside the workplace, meaning hoards of smokers would gather outside the office doors - meaning more and more time spend away from their desks. The time spent on the cigarette breaks has obviously been questioned regarding the fairness on non-smokers, who may only be taking their designated breaks (Workers are entitled to a 20 minute break when working a 6 hour period).

The introduction of the e-cig meant that smokers could once again smoke legally at their desks. The implications of this are great for both employer and employee

- higher productivity levels due to not having to disturb tasks outside of designated breaks.
           - leading to less money wasted to the employer, in terms of productivity/payment.
- staying warm and dry in the winter!
- non-smokers not feeling any unfairness with extra breaks.
- health benefits from leaving the tobacco behind whilst quitting/hindering smoking cigarettes.


However, the latest news is that the e-cig could soon be medically controlled, meaning they would be prescribed by a doctor as a method of controlling smokers who have decided to quit. The reasons behind this are fairly simple - the NHS stated 'e-cigarettes don’t contain any tobacco – only nicotine, which is highly addictive but much less dangerous'. The e-cigs so far have 'only [been] associated with mild adverse effects (slight mouth or throat irritation, a dry cough), however other medical professionals remind us that nicotine has been 'linked to anxiety – and research suggests nicotine plays a direct role in the development of blood vessel disease.'


What are your opinions? Do you use an e-cig, or does anyone in your workplace?

Let us know how you feel. 
Sources: Acas, Legislation.gov, NHS