Firms - such as those that use serviced offices in Northampton - have been advised it is in their interest to help staff make healthier lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking.
According to Ben Willmott, senior public policy advisor at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, taking steps including restricting when employees are allowed to smoke could benefit their wellbeing.
"A lot of smokers want to give up, so actually not being given the choice to smoke during work … is something that will probably help them," he said.
Stopping smokers taking extra breaks for cigarettes may prevent resentment from non-smokers who feel it is unfair others are allowed more time away from work, Mr Willmott observed.
By only allowing smoking to take place during statutory breaks, companies could also save themselves money by minimising a loss of working hours.
A study published by OnePoll.com found employers lose 240 operational hours a year if a smoker takes four 15-minute cigarette breaks a day.
