Does smoking increase sick leave? : evidence using register data on Swedish workers

Smoking increased the number of days absent from work by 10.7; however, after controlling for workplace risk factors and health status, this number was reduced further (to 9.7 and 7.7 respectively). Findings recommend that there are benefits to help decrease or prevent smoking with regards to loss of workplace productivity.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/tc.2006.017798

Comment: This study of Swedish workers found that smokers took nearly eight days more sick days annually than their non-smoking co-workers. The causes for sick leave may be attributed to occupational risk and health-related factors.