Why American companies don't encourage their overweight administrative employees to lose weight?

Question

I really don't get it. Many of the admin jobs are filled by women and many of them are overweight( alot) and the companies don't seem to care. Why?

Why they don't care for their employees''s health. Moreover these office workers are the first person that clients see. Its not presentable to have a super overweight person.

Whta's wrong with saying Hey we'll hire you but we'll give you some encouragement and maybe provide some Money as part of your benefits package to get in shape.
That's actually helping people, not hurting them.

I always see overweight administrative people that don't try to change and the companies dont care and moreover they keep eating junk food at work.

Answer 1

It's bad policy to 'care' more than what the person cares about themselves.

Unless of course they admit first they have a mental defect. Then take them out of the job and get them the help they need.

Companies can't "care". That's a human emotion that can't be moved from outside the human heart. And you have to treat employees the same. What about the smokers, the over-spenders,- where does it all stop?

You have to respect the worker, - and they'll respect the company. If you want a nurturing welfare state, - move to a communist country.

Answer 2

To encourage people to lose weight at work could be considered harassment, discrimination, and all sorts of other negative situations that can cause lawsuits, etc.

People in America and OTHER countries are overweight for many reasons and junk food is something anyone can pick up in a vending machine. It is quick and easy. People who sit behind a desk all day long DON'T get a lot of exercise and yes, maybe they should do some sort of exercise at home, but frankly, we live in a very fast paced world now days.

AND even those people who eat lower fat foods and snacks don't realize that something had to be added to that product to reduce fat and make it still taste good, so they add more sugar. I have yet to see a vending machine that offered 'good, natural, healthy' snacks.

You have no idea of whether people are trying to change and lose weight or not and companies do care, but there is not a lot they can do about it. AND furthermore, some people do gain weight as they get older simply because their metabolism slows down, women more so than men, but also those same women probably bore children which adds another dimension to the problem. Then let's talk about all the additives being put into foods or the artificial sweeteners put into drinks and other products that actually create MORE FAT.

Obesity is a great concern all over the world. Let's talk abut all the obese children we are bringing up in this world. All the diabetics..... Why do you think 'fad diet' companies make such good money?

To think employers can control this epidemic in the work place is bizarre.
~jennifer

Answer 3

I am an overweight admin. Employers don't provide these benefit packages to avoid lawsuits. If they do provide them, the same or equivalent benefit has to be available to everyone in the company or else it is considered discrimination.
An overweight person not presentable? With your arrogant attitude I would think YOU are not presentable.
If an employer were to point out my obesity indirectly by offering a gym membership or some other benefit I would be extremely offended. I expect to be considered based on my skills and experience NOT my appearance.
You need to quit being so judgmental. Just because you see an overweight person at work eating junk food does not mean they are not trying to change. What if they didn't bring their lunch and didn't have time to go get something healthy? I know because I've been stuck in that boat more than once. FYI...I reject gym memberships because I prefer to exercise outdoors doing activities I enjoy like flying model planes, working on cars, going for walks/hikes, etc.

Answer 4

Some companies ARE providing assistance to employees who are overweight (administrative or otherwise). Not only does this promote increased productivity, it also is beneficial to the company financially if the company funds its health insurance program.

In the end, though, a company cannot (and should not, IMO) mandate weight loss. To do so would be discriminatory and illegal.

I agree with what I believe is the intent of your question (as opposed to the specifics) in that companies can do a lot to improve the health of all employees by providing exercise facilities, healthier options in vending machines, and a safe work environment.

Answer 5

Who gets to decide the definition of "overweight"? Just because actresses and other celebs are size 0 and -2, doesn't make that the standard.

The average American woman is a size 14. Some might consider that overweight. Then again, a lot of us think that a size 0 and smaller are anorexic.

Since you seem to think that most women working in the admin area are overweight, you probably prefer that anorexic, prison camp look.

Answer 6

It's not "presentable" to have an overweight person?

I'll agree with you on the health issues, but your arrogant attitude about obesity is appalling. And not all of those who are overweight sit around eating junk food.

Actually there are companies here who offer plans to help employees become healthier. But we also believe in freedom here, so the plans aren't forced on the employees.

You might find this amazing, but many, many overweight people are actually very fine employees.

Answer 7

How is this your concern? And I highly doubt American companies are the only ones who hire and retain overweight people...and this may come as a huge shock to you, but perhaps, just maybe, those employees do a great job, every consider that?

Answer 8

Will insurance companies control health care and what doctors can or cannot do? That would be horrifying to me to find out someone was denied insurance due to a pre-existing illness like diabetes or cancer. Unregulated capitalism with lobbyists influencing government has created a society of the haves and have nots. We are in a Big Brother society because Wall Street sees fit to control the economy through mortgage forclosures, on and on etc. etc....

Answer 9

When these administrative employees got hired because of their skills not because of their weight. If an employer walks up to the administrative employee and makes comments about their weight, they would most likely sue. That is why they don't care.

Answer 10

Because that's personal business. If someone is overweight or whatever, it isn't the companies job to get involved with their employees personal life or to act as big brother. Employees are there to do a job. As long as they follow company rules and do a good job it isn't really the employer's business what one does with his or her personal choices including eating habits and other behaviors that affect obesity.