From point reduction to termination, UAE firms mull disciplinary actions against smokers

Dubai: The UAE health ministry’s recent move to issue tobacco-free workplace guidelines to government departments and private companies has prompted various firms to revise their policies and ensure compliance.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) on June 10 issued a guidebook that seeks to establish tobacco-free workplaces across the country. In tobacco-free workplaces, smoking is not allowed anywhere in the organisation, including outdoor areas and parking areas or vehicles.

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In case of deliberate violation of the smoking prohibition procedures within the facility while being aware of them, disciplinary actions must be taken against the violating party.

While they still await more clarity on whether the guidelines are mandatory for all and what kind of disciplinary actions can be taken against employees violating the new no-smoking policy, companies that spoke to Gulf News said they were gearing up to implement a blanket ban on smoking on their premises.

HR and admin managers and other senior executives across different sectors also shared what disciplinary actions they think could be taken against violators.

Several companies said they had already implemented a strict no-smoking policy inside their buildings, but have designated smoking areas outside the offices.

Smoke-free platform

Eddie Manalo Jr., business development manager with an audio visual solution provider, said: “Our office implemented strict no-smoking policies inside the building to protect the health of our employees and reduce the risk of fire.

Birgit Gross, country HR manager, of an energy major, said her company had been promoting a tobacco-free workplace for many years.

"We do follow a disciplinary process ensuring the safety and health of our employees. We build constant awareness on restricted behaviours in the workplace, such as smoking, and communicate our policies.”

Revising policies

Sandesh Divagar, corporate sales manager with an education and smart classroom solution provider, said: “Smoking is generally discouraged within our office premises. Employees who do smoke are asked to be considerate of others and not to smoke within office surroundings. We understand the importance of adhering to best practices and providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. Therefore, we are actively reviewing the new recommendations regarding designated smoking areas.”

Betzy Varghese, HR and admin manager at a freight management company in Dubai, said her firm was also planning to go totally smoke-free as per the new guidelines.

Meanwhile, Manar Elkholy, HR manager of a beauty and cosmetics trading group, said her company does not support smoking in any form on its premises, aligning with its commitment to sustainability and a healthy workplace.

Assisting smokers to quit

Jessie Joy, senior HR and admin manager at a digital marketing company in Abu Dhabi, said her company would assist staff members who want to stop smoking.

Tackling violators

According to the ministry’s guidebook, disciplinary actions must be taken against employees violating the facility’s smoking prohibition procedures.

If the violators are visitors, and if they do not leave the building even after a warning, actions normally taken by the facility in respect of illegal behaviours must apply.

Joy said employees who violate policies will receive written and verbal warnings, as well as support services such as counseling and access to smoking cessation programes during the disciplinary process.

Gross said any violation at her company would follow a defined disciplinary action protocol which could range from issuing a verbal and written warning and leading to further sanctions where necessary.

Divagar said his company takes policy violations seriously. “Employees who disregard the guidelines regarding smoking, such as smoking in unauthorised areas or creating a disruptive environment for others, may be subject to disciplinary action. These actions could include verbal warnings, written reprimands, temporary suspension, or, in severe or repeated cases, termination of employment.”

Meanwhile, Varghese said: “We have a rewards system for employees, and one form of disciplinary action can be deducting points in the reward scheme. We could think of keeping a smoking penalty box and use the fines collected for some charity or welfare activities. We can even reward whistleblowers who report smokers violating the rules.”