Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Surely this shouldn’t be allowed in an office?

116 replies

Haaaalp · 03/10/2025 10:58

I started a new job on Monday and the man in the desk next to me is sitting here vaping. It stinks and has given me headaches.

I am not the most senior but relatively senior and I feel if I say something (he’s not as senior as me), then it looks like I’m coming in and making a fuss.

I am quite fearful of cigarette smoke and I don’t really drink much so I don’t know if I’m making a mountain out of a molehill. Nobody else seems bothered though there’s only 4 others.

OP posts:
TY78910 · 03/10/2025 11:09

Vaping nowadays counts as smoking where policies are concerned. I’d be amazed if your workplace, or the landlord of the office hasn’t got a vaping ban in place.

Jackiebrambles · 03/10/2025 11:09

This is outrageous - where I work it’s treated the same as cigarettes- ie you do it outside!

Owly11 · 03/10/2025 11:08

Fucking hell that sounds unreal. I would check the company policies and tread carefully. They obviously have to stop because it’s putting your health and safety at risk, but I would be careful about how you approach it.

Original poster
Haaaalp · 03/10/2025 11:07

@Jellybunny56 i assumed it would be in some sort of employment law that it wasn’t allowed. I’m really surprised!

OP posts:
FaceBothered · 03/10/2025 11:07

What does not drinking and being fearful of cigarette smoke have to do with this guy vaping in the office??

Get him told OP.

You shouldn't have to put up with it.

Jellybunny56 · 03/10/2025 11:06

I’d check on the rules for your office, although if it is allowed I suspect they won’t change it for you.

It’s not allowed in our office but I know it is where my husband works. I actually don’t have an issue with vaping in general and it doesn’t massively bother me people vaping in the streets but the smell when you’re indoors and they are right beside you is really strong.

Original poster
Haaaalp · 03/10/2025 11:05

Does anyone know if it’s actually harmful to breath in passively?

OP posts:
Original poster
Haaaalp · 03/10/2025 11:04

Thanks, I thought I was right but I am quite conscious of things like this so was worried I was being over the top.

It’s a small office but I’m paid pretty well and the business does well. I’m honestly amazed it’s allowed to happen!!!

it turns out that two others apparently vape inside too so thats going to make it more awkward for me to raise.

OP posts:
HangryBrickShark · 03/10/2025 11:04

I've had this quite a bit in construction roles that I've had and nobody ever asks if its okay to do, they just do it. It does bother me as I hate the sickly sweet smells from vapes and the clouds of 'smoke'.

I used to be a smoker and paperwork myself until about nine years ago when I gave up both.

purplecorkheart · 03/10/2025 11:03

Vaping is banned in the entire building that I work in, not just the office.

sesquipedalian · 03/10/2025 11:03

Your company must have a policy about this - find out what it is. If vaping isn’t allowed, he needs to stop. And if it is, then you need to do something about getting the rules changed. It really isn’t OK for people to inflict their vapes on others - it’s bad enough in the street!

PegDope · 03/10/2025 11:02

That is unreal!

I would definitely be saying something. Vaping is disgusting, the sickly sweet smell makes me gag 🤮

LlynTegid · 03/10/2025 11:01

Say something. It should be banned no question. Don't assume the others are not bothered because they are silent.

MissMoneyFairy · 03/10/2025 11:00

What are the managers rules around vaping in the office, can you move desks.

rubyslippers · 03/10/2025 10:59

That is GRIM
it shouldn’t be allowed
where do you work?

Inthesearch · 03/10/2025 10:59

I wouldn't put up with that!

Swipe left for the next trending thread