Nomura Holdings Inc. has told its staff in Japan not to smoke during working hours — even if they’re working from home.

The country’s biggest brokerage sent a memo to employees on Tuesday outlining the new policy that will come into effect in October, spokesman Yoshitaka Otsu said by phone. The company will close all smoking rooms being managed by the Nomura Group by the end of December.

Nomura Holdings Inc. is the latest Japanese firm to prohibit smoking during work hours, as attention grows on the health risks associated with cigarettes. | KYODO
Nomura Holdings Inc. is the latest Japanese firm to prohibit smoking during work hours, as attention grows on the health risks associated with cigarettes. | KYODO