Should Employers be able to fire employees who smoke or are over weight?

Question

Some employers say smoking and bad health habits effect their health care costs. So they should be able to fire them for that reason.

Answer 1

No I don't think they should be able to control your personal life. But, maybe they should tell them if they smoke or are over weight they have to pay more for their health insurance or not cover them at all.

Answer 2

This question really depends on two things in my opinion:

First, is the employer paying for the employee's health benefits? Those who smoke or are overweight are far more likely to have health problems, consequently costing the employer more money than an average weight, non-smoker would. In this case, I think the employer should give the employee fair chance to "shape up" before firing. However, if the employee's salary is paying for the health care, as well as an acceptable deductable, then it really should not affect the employer's cost.

Second, does the job description require the employee to fit a certain "look"? It may be very subjective, but most people would not want to purchase exercise equipment from an overweight salesperson. Likewise, a nurse caught smoking may give off a sense of discomfort to her patients.

In my opinion, termination from employment due to bad health habits is fair so long as the standard is set at hiring.

Answer 3

I worked for a HUGE Home Builder and the people who smoked would take 10 or more breaks per DAY! When someone was hired there, it was written into our contract that we are allowed (2) 15 minute breaks along with our lunch. The non-smokers complained about this and the smokers were given a warning and some were let go after refusing to adhere to company policy. A lawsuit ensued and was thrown out of court. I think that if someone smokes, yet they adhere to company policy, there is no reason to fire them.

An employer holds all the power and it should be that way. A guarantee of employment causes complacency and loss of overall production. I don't want to have to pay someone who is not doing what I hired them to do at a level they had promised tehy could achieve. A job is VOLUNTEERING to work and do what is asked of by the employer. Nobody is ever FORCED to work. We have abolished slavery in this great country.

Overweight? I think as long as they are performing their job duties well, there is no reason they should be fired.

Answer 4

Many employers offer programs to help people quit smoking if they smoke and are hired with the understanding that they must quit. They haven't said anything about overwieght people yet. If they are attempting to keep their healthcare cost down, then they should be able to do it. Why should people who care about their health and have families not be able to get insurance because of fat people or people who still smoke after knowing all of the bad side effects.

Answer 5

If they're in an employment at will state, sure...why not. The employer can do it anyway and for no reason. Even if they don't smoke, I think employers should make people who are severely obese lose weight. Healthier people are more productive and take less time off work. It's been proven too often.

Answer 6

HOW ABOUT THIS FOR AN IDEA: HOW ABOUT THE EMPLOYERS OFFER TO PROVIDE SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAM AND/OR WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM TO HELP THE EMPLOYEE? MANY COMPANIES OFFER PROGRAMS TO HELP FOLKS WITH CHEMICAL ADDICTIONS, BUT THINK IT'S NOT NECESSARY TO HELP SMOKERS AND/OR THOSE OVERWEIGHT.
PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS.

Answer 7

I think it really depends on the line of work, where one is expected to be good looking and in good physical shape. Smoking, I'm not too sure about that one.

Answer 8

The reality is that they can and do fire anyone they want to anytime they want to. If there are hundreds or thousands to fired , they will hire somebody to do it usually.

Answer 9

Why not discriminate against black people who are more likely to get diabetes? or gay men and their risky sexual behavior? how about women since they are more likely to get pregnant?