Surveys have found that currently employed professionals make up some of the largest tobacco-smoking demographics.
Just this year, Elsevier published a 2023 analysis of data from the National Health Interview Survey, which found that about 20% of all working American adults use some form of tobacco. This translates to over 30 million professionals who smoke. The study further notes that while professionals in healthcare and government settings reported lower numbers of smoking incidences, those in private workplaces had some of the most frequent smoking rates. This is especially true among workers who clocked in over 35 work hours weekly.
Considering that Clockify recently estimated that most employed American adults work more than 36 hours a week, this means that there may be even more workers at risk of picking up the habit. While smoking among working professionals has been linked with stress management and socialization, its cons greatly outweigh any perceived pros. Apart from impacting finances, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have connected smoking in the workforce with increased rates of absenteeism, turnover, and productivity, which is sure to impact workers and employers alike.
So, if you want to shake the habit, here are some tips to help get you started.
Prepare travel-friendly cessation aids
As mentioned above, smoking is a self-soothing habit that many workers turn to when they’re stressed or tired. In fact, the same study cited above notes that unstable work hours are one common smoking trigger. If your reason for lighting up is similar, your cigarette cravings are likely to get even worse if your job requires you to frequently travel or do off-site work. Since you won’t be in an office setting where no-smoking policies are more stringently observed, you may even be tempted to smoke more than you normally would.
To prevent this, opt for travel-friendly cessation aids like vapes. As seen on brands like Elf Bar and Voopoo, these are often small and reusable, so they’re easy to bring around. Also called e-cigarettes, these are easy enough to pack with you, as mentioned in our article “Business Travel: Essentials To Pack For Your Next Trip.” Although they are considered heated implements that carry fluid, if you have a travel bag, like the ones from Travelpro, that is designed with organized compartments and a sturdy exterior; your vapes are not likely to leak or overheat. This means that it will be in good condition when you reach your destination and suddenly get the urge to smoke, thereby reducing the risk of you relapsing onto cigarettes. Since vapes also release a vapor, it’s easy to use them to blend into social situations where you might feel left out among smoking peers.
Use subtle nicotine alternatives
That said, if you’re somebody who is in the office a lot, then you’re better off with more subtle nicotine alternatives. Specifically, you may want to consider smoke- and tobacco-free alternatives that are more discreet and can be used indoors. Among the most popular options for these products right now are nicotine pouches like Zyns. The brand is a bestseller with several strengths and flavors to help cater to a smoker’s needs and preferences. This includes a selection of strengths ranging from 3mg to 6mg, with flavors like peppermint, citrus, coffee, and cinnamon. Simply placing a pouch between the gums and the inner cheek can release a steady dose of nicotine that can help curb cravings and nasty withdrawal symptoms. Since they’re easy to dispose of and not messy, they can be used throughout the workday without needing to take a break.
Alternatively, for smokers who want to avoid any oral products, transdermal nicotine patches are also a good option. To illustrate, Habitrols are well-known for adhering to the skin and delivering a stream of nicotine for up to 24 hours. While these don’t have any flavors to make the experience more enjoyable, they can be worn under all types of clothes through various types of activities, so you don’t have to change them out often. If you’re in an office setting wherein you often have to speak, this may be a viable choice as it will not show nor require removal.
Look into office cessation programs
Since smoke-free office policies are regulated in most states, there’s a significant chance that your employer actually offers smoking cessation programs. In many cases, these are tucked into your existing wellness packages. Through these, you may be connected to various interventions that target the root of your smoking habit. According to Medline Plus, these can include telephone-based helplines, support groups, and smoking classes. In many cases, any fees are covered by your employers, so you don’t need to worry about any further financial obligations.
