In article ,
Hugh - Was Invisible wrote:
The cigarette doesn't take 20 minutes to smoke - but the absence from
work could be that long:

Leave desk, go to toilet, wait for lift, use lift (which stops at all
floors), go outside, look in bag or pocket for cigarettes, same with
lighter/matches, smoke cigarette, go back indoors (having first found
security pass in pocket/bag, wait for lift, use lift, go to toilet,
return to desk. That's an easy 20 minutes.

You forgot continuing to chat with colleague who came out later until
he/she finishes their cigarette.

Indeed. And frequently talk about work. So work may not actually stop with
a fag break - or any other sort of break. Unless your job is sticking
wheels on a car in a factory. In which case you'll not be allowed fag
breaks. Only designated breaks that all get.
It was so in my job. Could only take a break when it was possible work
wise. Not just to suit myself. Not every one works in a poorly supervised
office, etc.

--
*Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.