More than two-thirds (68.8 percent) of American adults are considered to be overweight or obese, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. In my presentation, I discussed why employers discriminate against overweight applicants and employees and also my opinions towards the topic. My presentation explores both sides of the spectrum: the employers and the overweight employees/applicants. Unfortunately it is common for overweight Americans to suffer from sever discrimination in the workplace because of stereo typical beliefs. However, some case studies have proven these stereotypical beliefs to be false.
The case study conducted by Roechling (2008) explored the relationship of focal personality traits to stereotypes about overweight applicants and/or employees. Understanding …show more content…
Unfortunately, there is no law to protect employees and applicants from discrimination on the basis of their physical appearance. However, there are disability laws in place and obesity may be considered a disability for which the employee has no control and requires accommodation by employers. In some cases, employees who have been terminated for violation of weight standards, have won lawsuits against their employers for wrongful termination due to discrimination.
In my opinion, everyone should be given an equal opportunity to seek and gain employment, regardless of their physical appearance. However, I do understand some jobs must have a height and weight requirement in order for their employees to be proficient in their duties. For example, in the military we were required to be under a certain body fat percentage because the risk of injury and diseases increase when a person is overweight. Furthermore, the physical capability to perform declines when a soldier is overweight, which can lead to safety
The case study conducted by Roechling (2008) explored the relationship of focal personality traits to stereotypes about overweight applicants and/or employees. Understanding …show more content…
Unfortunately, there is no law to protect employees and applicants from discrimination on the basis of their physical appearance. However, there are disability laws in place and obesity may be considered a disability for which the employee has no control and requires accommodation by employers. In some cases, employees who have been terminated for violation of weight standards, have won lawsuits against their employers for wrongful termination due to discrimination.
In my opinion, everyone should be given an equal opportunity to seek and gain employment, regardless of their physical appearance. However, I do understand some jobs must have a height and weight requirement in order for their employees to be proficient in their duties. For example, in the military we were required to be under a certain body fat percentage because the risk of injury and diseases increase when a person is overweight. Furthermore, the physical capability to perform declines when a soldier is overweight, which can lead to safety