Millions of people across the world use electronic cigarettes today. For many, vaping is a more healthy alternative to smoking.
Studies have shown that it can significantly increase a person’s chances of successfully quitting smoking. As the popularity of vaping continues to rise, the question of whether e-cigs can be used in public places like the work setting is starting to rear its head.
The rationale is that since vaping is less dangerous to those around you compared to smoking tobacco sticks, it should be okay to vape right at your desk at work. While is true that vaping does less harm to those around you than smoking, the answer to whether it is okay to vape at work differs on a case-by-case basis.
At the center of this issue is the fact that companies are being slow to update their policy on smoking in the workplace. Currently, most companies prohibit smoking at the place of work and workers have to excuse themselves from their desk to take a hit. Until rules are put in place that states whether vaping at work is permitted or otherwise, it is up to you to use your reasoning before you make any decision. There have been a few cases of people clashing with their employers because they chose to vape at work.
Depending on the line of work that you are into, vaping may be permissible or otherwise. If you are a freelance programmer enjoying the comfort of working from your home, of course, you can vape at work. If you work in a vape shop, it may also be okay to vape at work. However, if you are a receptionist or a school teacher, it may not be advisable to use your e-cig at work.
The setting of your workplace should also influence your decision to vape or not at work. If you are working from a cubicle in a large room filled with others, it is prudent to consider what they’ll make of you blowing clouds over them. On the other hand, if you have a room to yourself at work, then vaping may be okay.
You need to also give some thought to what your bosses would think of your decision to vape at work. As I stated earlier, some people have landed in hot water for choosing to use their e-cigarette at work. For some other people, vaping at work has been encouraged by their employers.
There are many reasons why companies need to permit workers to vape at work. Imagine how more productive people would be if they didn’t take any smoke breaks? The truth is that the urge to smoke can distract a worker, and this could affect the person’s ability to work well. If workers could take a few hits off their e-cig right at their desk, it would help save time and could also help people stay focused on their job. Vaping at work would give workers one more thing to talk about like which is the best flavor and other vape-related stuff. Ultimately, this could boost the bond between people in the work environment.
The vapor that is produced when vapers take hits off their e-cig does not leave a smell behind like tobacco smoke. Instead, it dissipates quickly, and you can even get a hint of the flavor that is in the e-liquid.
If you are a vaper and you are sincerely hoping it would be possible to use your e-cig at work one day, I’d say don’t hold your breath. There has been a barrage of criticisms against the vaping industry recently. Also, if we take government laws as a precedent, e-cigarettes are likely to be treated just like tobacco sticks.
