The marketing company Piala, in Tokyo, Japan, awards a novel perk to its non-smoking employees: an extra week’s vacation. The policy was implemented as a benefit for non-smokers to compensate for smoking breaks taken by their colleagues. About two-thirds of the company’s employees don’t smoke. Overall, smoking is still quite prevalent in Japan, with almost 20% of those over 20 saying they smoke. Nearly 40% of men in their 30s smoke, though that’s down from more than half in 2001. Most office workers must do their puffing in designated smoking rooms and outdoor areas, and cities are gradually imposing limits on outdoor smoking in public areas. Most restaurants and bars still permit smoking. Piala is hopeful that it’s rewards program will encourage more employees to give up the habit.
