French employers face annual costs of more than €5 billion tied to cigarette breaks. The figure comes from an analysis released by the job portal JobLeads. The study covers France, including its overseas territories, according to Le Monde. The time devoted to these breaks averages about 1 hour and 46 minutes per week for employees. That equals roughly three weeks of lost working time each year and a loss valued at €5 billion for companies, according to Capital.fr.
JobLeads’ estimate draws on variables such as tobacco consumption, employee headcounts, smoking prevalence, average break duration, and regional pay levels. The analysis concludes the bill for employers exceeds €5 billion annually, according to Marca. Workplaces often designate smoking areas. Where these spaces are hard to reach, employees may step away during paid working hours beyond their allotted breaks to smoke.
“Unproductive time”
“It is unproductive time that can also interrupt the workflow and reduce concentration,” said Jan Hendrik von Ahlen, co-founder and chief executive of JobLeads.
Employees who smoke describe these pauses as a coping tool that can help them return to tasks more effectively. “In moments of stress, I go down to smoke a cigarette... it feels good,” one worker cited by RTL said.
Breaks are considered useful for productivity and employee health. France’s labor rules entitle workers to a 20-minute break after six hours on the job, according to Capital.fr.
Several studies suggest even more frequent pauses are beneficial. A five-minute break in the middle of a complex task can improve attention and concentration, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Sydney.
Public health guidance in France stresses the value of moving regularly. Recommendations include a five-minute break every 30 minutes or 10 minutes every hour, though authorities note there is no need to smoke to obtain these benefits.