I’m just popping out for my break, you can go for yours when I get back they say as they grab their lighter and nip off for a quick chuff on a naughty stick.

Not long now you think, ten minutes later as they breeze back in from the designated area so you finish up what you’re working on in anticipation of their return.

 However they are nowhere to be seen as another dozen or so minutes tick by and you grow thirsty for your mid morning brew.

Eventually they reappear from their extended sabbatical fully refreshed; sending you off gasping for a drink and a see you in 15, don’t be late back we’ve got things to do. 

 I know this will be slightly controversial depending on which side of the smoking fence you sit but I reckon the Japanese employees that have been granted six extra paid days of leave after complaining they were working more than those who took time out for smoking breaks may have a point don’t you?