The “perceived” relationship between smoking and productivity at a selected organisation: the smoker’s perspective

Abstract

Smoking is a pervasive and harmful practice that involves inhaling the smoke of burning tobacco, a habit maintained primarily by the highly addictive chemical nicotine. As of 2026, it remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death worldwide, claiming over eight million lives annually through conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The purpose of the present study was to answer the research question: “What is the 'perceived' relationship between smoking and productivity at a selected organization: The smoker’s perspective?” Seven participants took part in the study. The participants were drawn from employees working for an online Casino Support organization based in Cape Town using convenience sampling due to the nature of the working environment. The study design was qualitative in nature. An interview guide was developed for use in the study. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Key findings reveal that smokers exhibit higher rates of absenteeism, longer and more frequent breaks, and lower overall productivity compared to non-smokers. The participants’ responses corroborate established research confirming that smoking negatively impacts on workplace productivity as time spent on breaks is diverted from necessary tasks. While employees acknowledge that changing these habits would enhance their performance, they also demonstrate a high level of awareness regarding the physical health risks involved, such as cancer and respiratory diseases. Within the workplace culture, smoking is largely integrated into the standard break structure. While the frequency of use varies among individuals, there is consistent adherence to organizational policies regarding the use of designated outdoor areas. The findings suggest that proactive organizational strategies aimed at reducing smoking prevalence can significantly enhance employee well-being and workplace efficiency.