The
corporate waistline Obesity in the workplace is getting more
and more recognition and attention. Employers are concerned not only
with the ever-increasing costs and millions of lost work-days
associated with obesity, but the rapid and dramatic increase in
obesity over the last few years (74% increase in 10 years). As we
continue to shift from a manufacturing economy to a service economy,
work environments are becoming more sedentary every
year.
Another
significant concern shows nearly one-half (47 percent) of American
workers believe plus-size workers are being discriminated against in
the U.S. workplace by their co-workers and supervisors, according to
“American At Work”, a public opinion survey conducted by the
Employment Law Alliance (ELA).
“Obesity is at
crisis proportions in America as a health issue but not as an
employment issue,” said Hirschfeld, CEO and founder of ELA, “at
least not yet. Employers have to realize that they are looking at a
problem that could rival or surpass that of gender and race
discrimination in the workplace. Now is the time for education and
communication, or increased regulation and litigation won't be far
off.
ELA members are
also working closely with their clients to develop and implement
employee dietary and fitness programs designed to lower health care
costs, decrease absenteeism and increase productivity and
morale.
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