Question

Suppose that you are a chain smoker. One day you are fired, and your boss says smoking is not allowed as a company policy. Will you be able to get back your job? If not, what can you do?

Answer 1

Smoking is a bad habit and has to be especially during work hours as it not only affects the individual but also the people nearby. Being fired for that reason is somehow inappropriate because enough has to be given before terminating the employee. In case several warning and counseling has been given in this scenario, it is hard for me to get back to same job. The nature of job is another factor because if the work is in a hazardous environment (like Oil and Gas, Power transmission, etc.,) it should be strictly followed and there is no option but to quit smoking in order to work in such conditions. In this present market conditions, finding the right is very tough and hence I would convince the management to give one last chance so that I would reduce such habits at least during the work hours. If termination is the only choice that the company leaves for me, I have to find ways to reduce my smoking habits because character and attitude is an important factor that companies looks first followed by the qualifications and expertise.

Note: A similar case happened in my previous job where my Manager was accused of drinking during the workhours by the clients and coworkers. After many counseling from my team members and the management (The Head HR was a friendly and committed person who played a major role in giving personal advice and counseling), my Manager stopped drinking during workhours and within few weeks the situation was back to normal.