It is more expensive to employ a smoker than a non-smoker

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

3 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that it is more expensive to employ a smoker than a non-smoker?

Yes. Multiple studies and economic analyses conclude that employing a smoker involves higher overall costs due to increased healthcare utilization, absenteeism, presenteeism, and smoking breaks.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 3 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 31 Jul 2026

The analysis

Judged against statistical and reference sources.

Evidence for · 3

tobaccocontrol.bmj.com: Estimating the cost of a smoking employee | Tobacco Control

Aims to estimate excess costs private employers attribute to a smoking employee.

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tobaccocontrol.bmj.com: Estimating the cost of a smoking employee | Tobacco Control. (n.d.). tobaccocontrol.bmj.com. https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/23/5/428

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More for · 2

doi.org: The Relationship Between Smoking and Health Care, Workers' Compensation, and Productivity Costs for a Large Employer

Quantifies higher health care, absenteeism, and productivity costs for smokers.

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doi.org: The Relationship Between Smoking and Health Care, Workers' Compensation, and Productivity Costs for a Large Employer. (n.d.). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1097/jom.0b013e31829f3129

doi.org: Estimating the cost of a smoking employee

Finds that employees who smoke impose significant excess annual costs on employers.

Get citation

doi.org: Estimating the cost of a smoking employee. (n.d.). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2012-050888

Related receipts

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Is it true that smokers lungs is a myth? REFUTED related question, same topic

What does the evidence say?

Judged against statistical and reference sources.

Receipt History

first checked31 Jul 2026

judged → SUPPORTED · 7531 Jul 2026

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