The Centers for Disease Control estimate that 42.4 percent of the American public was obese, and 73.6 percent was overweight in 2017-2018. Being inclusive in a way that recognizes large people requires re-thinking how we think about thin and not-so-thin people*.
Workplace culture comes from our larger culture, which certainly has a hierarchy around weight. Thinner people are seen as better,” Marilyn Wann
Source: Fast Company, July 12, 2021. Link. As companies seek to attract more talent and improve performance, inclusiveness and culture matter. A 2018 LinkedIn study found that obese workers are paid roughly $2,500 less than thinner colleagues. And half of employers are less likely to hire obese employees than thinner employees.
INSIGHTS: As you review your workplace for size inclusiveness, be sure to examine pay and hiring practices.
*Note: Accommodating larger-sized customers is important along with employee considerations