Smoking and vaping are increasingly harming career prospects, with over a third (35%) of smokers in a new study admitting their habit has negatively affected their professional success, from missed promotions to difficulties concentrating at work.
Nearly one in five (19%) smokers say they’ve felt overlooked for career opportunities due to smoking, and 22% acknowledge taking more frequent or longer breaks, directly impacting their workplace productivity.
Smokers also mention challenges like missed networking opportunities, difficulties with concentration and feeling self-conscious about the lingering smell of smoke, all contributing to an overall negative professional image.
The research, by tobacco-free nicotine pouch firm KLAR and released to mark No Smoking Day on March 12, shows that the stigma associated with smoking is becoming a notable factor in professional environments. It is, the results suggest, impacting relationships with colleagues, clients and management and ultimately limiting career advancement opportunities.
Mounting Pressure to Quit
As workplaces implement stricter wellness policies and smoking becomes increasingly stigmatised, smokers are feeling growing pressure to quit. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of smokers and vapers plan to give up their habits in 2025, driven by ambitions to enhance their careers, reduce social stigma and improve their overall wellbeing.
Workplace wellness initiatives and governmental regulations targeting smoking are adding to the urgency. Employers increasingly view smoking as detrimental not just to individual health but also to overall workplace productivity, often implementing smoke-free policies or actively encouraging employees to quit.
Challenges of Quitting
Despite the clear professional and personal incentives, quitting smoking remains a formidable challenge for many. Over half (54%) of smokers have attempted quitting between one and five times, with nearly a quarter (22%) making at least six attempts. The obstacles to success are significant and varied: stress and emotional challenges (35%), lack of motivation or willpower (34%) and fears about withdrawal symptoms (22%) top the list.
Smokers commonly report that workplace-related stress or social pressures exacerbate their difficulty quitting, reinforcing a cycle of dependency and frustration. However, increasing support through cessation programmes, wellness policies and effective alternatives to smoking is gradually making quitting a more attainable goal for many.
Impact on Workplace Productivity
Smoking and vaping habits do not just hinder individual careers; they also negatively affect overall productivity levels in workplaces. Frequent and extended smoke breaks disrupt workflows, reduce efficiency and potentially create tensions with non-smoking colleagues who perceive unfair workloads. Managers often notice these disruptions, which can influence decisions regarding promotions, pay rises and career advancement opportunities.
The hidden costs to businesses in terms of lost productivity, increased absenteeism and healthcare costs associated with smoking-related illnesses further incentivise employers to adopt stringent anti-smoking measures. Consequently, smokers can find themselves disadvantaged professionally as workplaces increasingly prioritise health and productivity.
Tomas Hammargren, Chief Risk Reduction Officer at KLAR said a growing number of people were trying to quit smoking.
“Our research shows that smoking is no longer just a personal health decision — it’s affecting careers, relationships and social opportunities,” he said. “We know that quitting isn’t easy, but it’s clear that more people than ever are ready to take that step.”
Shifting Social Norms and Workplace Expectations
Societal attitudes towards smoking have shifted dramatically in recent years. Smoking is no longer widely accepted in professional settings, and many workplaces actively discourage the practice. This growing stigma is reinforced by the introduction of smoke-free office policies, health incentives and wellness initiatives designed to promote healthier lifestyles among employees.
These initiatives have proven effective in creating healthier workplace cultures, boosting employee morale and reducing smoking rates. Many organisations now openly encourage smokers to seek support through structured quitting programmes, signposting resources and offering incentives to employees who successfully quit.
A Turning Point for Professionals
With 2025 set to become a pivotal year for quitting, professionals increasingly recognise the career advantages of leaving smoking behind. Enhanced productivity, improved health and greater career opportunities are motivating factors prompting individuals to take decisive action towards quitting smoking for good.
As societal attitudes continue to shift and workplace expectations rise, smokers are urged to consider the broad benefits of breaking their habit — benefits that extend far beyond their personal health to encompass career growth, workplace relationships and professional success.