Survey reveals: Most Swiss people smoke in these professions
While smoking seems to have almost died out in some professions in Switzerland, it is still part of everyday working life in others. A recent survey conducted by Censuswide on behalf of the online retailer SnusMarkt among 500 Swiss working smokers now reveals that smoking is most common in the healthcare and finance sectors!
Stress is a known trigger for the desire to smoke. But the reasons why the Swiss reach for a cigarette before, during and after work go beyond this factor. In the survey conducted in March, two out of three Swiss smokers (70 percent) stated that certain working conditions encourage their consumption. But why do people in some professions smoke more than others? Markus Lindblad explains: "In addition to stress and time pressure, working hours and the social environment also play an important role. In teams where many colleagues smoke, it is often difficult to resist the temptation. Irregular working hours, which are common in shift work, also tempt many people to reach for a cigarette".
Healthcare and finance at the top: stress as a driver
So where are the most smokers? The healthcare sector is in first place with fourteen percent. "There is still a shortage of skilled workers in Switzerland. According to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), there will be a shortage of around 65,000 nursing staff in 2025. Fewer staff means more stress for employees. During night shifts, people often reach for a cigarette to supposedly keep themselves awake," says Lindblad. This is closely followed by the financial sector, where thirteen percent of those surveyed smoke. The expert also identifies stress factors that can encourage consumption: "Long working hours, high pressure to perform and tight deadlines drive many employees in the financial world to reach for a cigarette. Smoking is often used as a short-term outlet, especially in professions where a lot of responsibility is carried".
Around one in ten smokers in the "IT & telecommunications" (11 percent) and "architecture, engineering and construction" (9 percent) sectors. "Cigarettes are a familiar sight in construction in particular. Smoking breaks are part of a certain tradition here as a way of taking a short break between hard physical work. A survey we commissioned last year also shows that the Swiss take an average of three breaks of around ten minutes each on a working day. Extrapolated to a week, that's two and a half hours spent smoking," adds the expert.
Intellectual my ass - cigarettes are out in creative professions
What is surprising is that in creative professions, where the "cig" is often associated with expressiveness and inspiration, smoking is no longer so popular. In the arts and culture, only five percent of employees smoke, and in sales, media and marketing the figure is just four percent. "This shows a change in society: while smoking used to be seen as rebellious or intellectual, it has lost its coolness factor in these sectors. Today, the focus is more on health, fitness and a conscious lifestyle," Lindblad is convinced.
20 cigarettes a day: people in these professions smoke for all they're worth
On average, respondents consumed around ten cigarettes a day. However, the amount smoked depends heavily on the occupational field, as Lindblad explains: "The differences between the sectors are clear." The "retail, catering and leisure" sector smokes the most (12.35 cigarettes/day), followed by "travel and transportation" (12.09 cigarettes/day), "manufacturing and utilities" (11.86 cigarettes/day) and "architecture, engineering and construction" (11.64 cigarettes/day).
However, there are also sectors in which people smoke less. In the arts and culture sector, in marketing, media and sales and in the legal sector, consumption is around eight to nine cigarettes a day. What is particularly surprising is that the financial sector, where many people smoke, is in the lower midfield with around eight cigarettes a day.
Equally striking: in the construction industry, 32 percent of respondents stated that they smoke between 15 and 20 cigarettes a day. "Here, the smoking break is often perceived as a short break, which is why many people reach for a cig more often," says Lindblad. The health sector, on the other hand, where most smokers are found, is average. Here, only 17 percent consume such a high number of cigarettes, most (40 percent) are in the middle range with six to ten.
Workday or leisure time? Smoking remains a fixed habit
Stress at work is a clear trigger for turning to the habit - but consumption remains high even on days off. While 37 percent of respondents smoke more on work days, 41 percent say that they light up a cigarette more often in their free time. One in five smokes the same amount every day. "Consumption often starts as a result of stress and quickly becomes a habit - many people reach for a cigarette regardless of the day of the week," says Lindblad. And that's exactly what makes it so difficult to kick the habit. "Once you start, you often associate it with certain routines. This makes it difficult for many people to simply stop," says the expert. Smoke-free alternatives such as snus can offer a way to change nicotine consumption.
