Weight Bias in the Workplace
Weight bias in the workplace is a very important issue we need to pay more attention to. Overweight people are commonly seen as lazy, lacking in self-control, and sometimes even greedy, and these stereotypes can lead to them not being hired or promoted[1]. Many different conditions can affect people's weight, some out of their control, so there is no reason to discriminate between someone who is overweight and someone who is of average weight.
Causes[edit]
It is common for people to think that fat people are lazy, unmotivated, and lacking in self-control, but this isn't always the case[2]. This would be an example of a negative stereotype. Another example of bias is from a study in 2009. It states that 93% of employers would choose someone of average weight over someone who was overweight or obese[3]. In fact, almost 45% of employers think that people who are overweight are like this due to poor lifestyle choices, and over 55% believe that it is a result of poor willpower.
Effects[edit]
Due to this bias, around 60% of adults who are overweight were discriminated against, such as not being hired[3]. Another effect is that obese and overweight individuals, on average, earn 2-4 dollars per hour less than their more fit counterparts. This problem can also lower morale among overweight individuals, and can cause their stress to increase.
Conclusion[edit]
Weight bias in the workplace is not something to be ignored. It causes higher stress among individuals who are obese and it doesn't give them equal opportunities as other "normal-weight" employees. It also creates many negative stereotypes about obese people and causes a negative outlook towards them.[4] A possible solution would be to pass a law requiring employers to hire workers without considering their weight. This It's a working solution in a few places, and it could help stop weight bias.
References[edit]
- ↑ Carpenter, Julia (3 January 2019). "One type of diversity we don't talk about at work: Body size". CNN Business. CNN Business. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
- ↑ Carpenter, Julia (3 January 2019). "One type of diversity we don't talk about at work: Body size". CNN Business. CNN Business. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Overweight and Underpaid: Weight Discrimination at Work". Safety Management. Safety Management. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
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