The work free smoke place.

Why are people still allowed to smoke at work?

Walking around the centre of Adelaide, I am still amazed at the number of people standing outside their office building having a cigarette and a chat – and a coffee in some cases.

In a previous life, I worked in the city for a large financial institution.  There were people on the same floor that went for a cigarette in the car park below up to 4 times a day – some people took two cigarettes at a time.

We timed them.

Get up from desk.  Wait for smoking buddy to finish what they are doing at their desk.  Go to kitchen and make a coffee.  Wait for lift.  Travel in lift stopping at various floors.  Smoke, chat and drink coffee in car park for 15 – 20 minutes.  Wait for lift.  Travel in lift stopping at various floors.  Go back to kitchen to rinse coffee mug and finish discussion.  Return to desk.  Stink-out entire office.

All things considered, we calculated these people were only working about 4 days a week.

I’m addicted to reading.  There was a large park across from our building.  Sometimes when I felt the need, I just wanted to lay in the sun and read, instead of working.