Cigarettes and vapes pose a significant health concern for individuals, and the IT industry is not immune to their negative impact. While many are aware of their adverse effects on well-being, the ramifications on the workplace are not as widely discussed. Though cigarette smoking has been banned or limited in workplaces in most of the US, e-cigarette usage has become more common. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, around 61.6% of employees observed coworkers vaping at work, and 76% of e-cigarette users (19.1% of employees) reported vaping at work themselves. Smoking may also be done at home, and the effects can still carry over into the office.
In IT, smoking in the workplace has implications not only for health but also for productivity and technology. Here’s what IT and cybersecurity professionals need to know about the impact of cigarettes and vapes and how to address them:
How cigarettes and vapes affect the IT industry
Decreased productivity
Since smoking cigarettes requires you to step away from your workstation, this hampers engagement and productivity. This increased absenteeism and presenteeism not only affects the person who smokes or vapes but also has consequences on other employees. Vaping in the workplace is frowned upon in IT, with 65% of employees bothered by it, as noted by Truth Initiative. The vapor or scent from e-cigarettes can be a distraction, and the constant use can cause relationship rifts. Vaping may also trigger tobacco use in others, which can increase cigarette smoking and further impact wellness and productivity in the workplace.
High risk of illness
Tobacco use is a significant contributor to various health issues. Smoking is linked to lung disease, heart disease, several types of cancer, and more. Vaping is also associated with lung and heart issues. As such, smoking and vaping can lead to more frequent illnesses or the development of more severe chronic ailments. Poor health can impact work quality and productivity and potentially lead to increased healthcare costs for individuals.
Damage to technology
Smoking and vaping not only have consequences for people’s well-being, but doing so around technology and equipment can also damage them. If you work from home occasionally and smoke there, the tar from cigarettes can combine with the dust in your PC and CPU, creating thick, sticky, and hard-to-clean black dirt, potentially leading to your equipment breaking faster. E-cigarettes may also threaten cybersecurity. Our “Is Your E-Cig a Security Risk?” post points out that many users charge their vapes using a USB cable or by plugging them directly into their computers’ USB ports. Hackers can use a plugged-in vape and tweak it to hack into a computer or include additional hardware into a charger to allow for communication with an endpoint device.
How to address smoking and vaping in IT
Stay focused on work
IT and cybersecurity require a lot of focus, accuracy, and attention to detail, so putting your all into these aspects can help take your mind off smoking or vaping. Concentrating on your projects and tasks keeps your mind and hands busy, which is a great deterrent to smoking. Cravings may creep in occasionally, but you can chew on sugarless gum or eat a healthy snack to keep yourself occupied. Out of work, stay busy by exercising or engaging in a hobby or sport.
Smokeless alternatives
Smoke from cigarettes and vapes can put IT professionals and their fellow employees at risk. Smokeless alternatives are less harmful and bothersome, as they don’t produce smoke or contain tobacco. Nicotine pouches are quickly emerging in the market thanks to their convenience, discreetness, and variety. The pouches on Prilla showcase the various brands, flavors, and strengths that suit any palate. You can opt for a classic flavor like the ZYN Cool Mint or try a more exotic taste like the Dragonfruit from VELO. Nicotine patches are also a viable alternative, as they can work up to 24 hours, which can suit your busy lifestyle; you won’t need to keep replacing or consuming a new one frequently. Patches like those from NicoDerm CQ can be bought over the counter in retail stores like CVS, which also has its own brand of patches.
Quitting apps
Quitting smoking and vaping is the best way to manage the threat of smoke and vapor on you, others, and your tech. It’s easier said than done, but mobile apps can provide extra support and motivation. Platforms like QuitGuide help you understand your smoking patterns and track your cravings. Doing so allows you to get motivational messages or monitor your smoke-free progress more closely. Other apps like quitStart offer personalized tips, support, and challenges that suit your smoking history and lifestyle. A tailored approach can be more effective by targeting your unique triggers and experience.
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