Should E-cigarettes be allowed in the office?

[ReaperOfCode]

The best article I can find is a bit outdated. Is there more progressive thinking in tech on this subject ? http://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2016/02/07/the-truth-about-wasting-time-at-work/#7f73c8571285

My thinking is if someone doesn't have to get up for smoke breaks they could be more productive.

[Piskvorrr]

Never mind the health aspects: should burning incense sticks be allowed in the office? No general answer - if all your cow-orkers love the smell, I guess there's no issue. Otherwise, I see no difference from "should I eat my durian for lunch in the office?" or any other smell-related activities. (I prefer that smelly and noisy activities, such as lunch, private calls or smoke breaks, happen outside the workspace; but that's indeed my preference - YMMV)

[jacalata]

An office that is worried about the productivity loss of smoke breaks is run by idiots.

[collyw]

I don't smoke in my office, but I do drink a lot and piss a lot as a result. I find walking away from the screen helps my thinking process. Sometimes I even get to the toilet and realise I don't need to go, its just a habit when I want to think about something.

[ReaperOfCode]

Please explain ? If you think about it, if someone goes away from their desk for 5mins (conservative estimate) 10 times a day (given not everyone goes that often) that is almost 10% of their day "wasted".

It's also relevant to more than just productivity, e.g. a receptionist leaving the phones unattended.

[manadagr]

If E-cigarettes produce smoke or perfume or any vapour then no as it could be uncomfortable for colleagues with asthma.

[collyw]

I hear that the juice is made up of similar stuff to what asthma inhalers contain (before the flavours are added).

[sportanova]

As long as it doesn't include "vaping" i'd be fine with it

[ReaperOfCode]

the distinction between simply using an e-cigarette and "vaping" can be drawn by arbitrarily measuring the amount of smoke ? that complicates things a bit.