Yes smoking workers don't really contribute, but I've noticed (at least in my games) that if I have four smokers minimum, they will generally smoke two at a time. However, they always choose to smoke at a table where I have a lot of people eating and drinking. Now here is the fun part. I seem to get more Blue and Red gossip that way. If I don't hire at least two people that smoke, I've noticed it takes me much longer (even with a boat load of gossip workers) to get ANY gossip whatsoever. I've also played this game like its a religion and I utilize every single option you have. But maybe just try that. Also might be how I layout my Inn that allows them to do that. As a side note, none of my smokers have the "gossip" trait.