Smoker Discrimination Reaches Beyond Medical Professions

Predominately found in the medical field, smoking is not allowed by employees. Doctor's offices and hospitals across the country are openly stating they will not hire anyone who smokes. It is easy to understand their stance on the subject given they work with thousands of people every day who have allergic reactions to cigarette smoke, weakened lungs, and a host of other sensitivities to the toxins and carcinogens found in cigarettes. Unfortunately, discrimination against smokers isn't limited to just the medical field.

People across all professions are facing increasing resistance to tobacco use. Heather S., a hiring manager for a national staffing agency stated, "We have clients across all sectors that specifically request that we hire non-smokers. It is not our policy to screen for tobacco use, though I cannot stress enough that prospective employees arrive for interviews showered, in clean clothes, and do not smell like smoke. Those who smoke do not realize the foul odor lingers and perfume and cologne do not mask smoke."

One Wyoming restaurant owner stated he looks for non-smoking persons when making hiring decisions. In years' past, he has received numerous complaints from guests because their server smelled of cigarette smoke. "If someone smokes just before arriving for an interview, I think twice before offering a position. I encourage my staff to work short shifts to avoid smoking while working and to arrive to work in clean, pressed uniforms. I do have a few servers on my staff that use electronic cigarettes while on shift. I have never had one complaint about them from our non-smoking patrons."

Ryan Michael, a security investor for a large firm in New York has found himself discriminated against in the office both as a smoker and a vaper. Prior to switching to an electronic cigarette, Ryan met multiple occasions where people noted the odor on his clothes, hair, and even his breath. He looked at alternatives to smoking and decided to give vaping a shot. He took his e-cig into the office and, at first, met no issue. However after a couple weeks of vaping, there were a few complaints issued. Ryan explained that he was asked to stop because coworkers felt he should not be allowed to e-smoke at his desk. That hasn't stopped Ryan from vaping, however. He just keeps it outside of the office.

No matter the profession, smokers are going to meet resistance. Educating your coworkers on electronic cigarettes will help lessen the apprehension nonsmokers feel regarding the product. After hearing from those in hiring positions, it stands to reason that eliminating the odor from smoking is imperative in the workforce. Are you ready to make that change?