Workplace smoking can cost you your job

If you really love your job, then quit smoking, for some employers Down Under are cracking down on "ciggie breaks" and others opting to hire only non-smokers.

According to research, smoking costs businesses nearly $800 million in absenteeism each year, reports the Couriermail.

"There's a developing trend amongst some employers to hire a non-smoker over a smoker, if possible, because of a perception that a non-smoker is a more productive employee," says workplace relations and safety lawyer Brad Petley.

Research shows smokers are 1.4 times more likely to be absent from work than non-smokers, says Cancer Council Queensland tobacco programs team leader Emma Dalglish.

Petley, principal of Acumen Lawyers, says: "Unfortunately at many workplaces, smoke breaks can turn into an unproductive social get-together where groups of employees take pre-arranged smoke breaks, favourite coffee mug in hand, and usually get involved in a gossip fest about the latest workplace goings-on.

"Many non-smoking employees are likely to say: 'Why should I work hard when the smokers can walk outside for a break any time they want?'."