Overweight UK workers are facing discrimination in the workplace due to their size, according to a new study*. The report found that a third (32%) feel judged by colleagues whilst a quarter (26%) believe they have been gossiped about because of their weight. A similar proportion (25%) lack the confidence to apply for promotions as a direct result of their weight and 14% believe they have been passed over for a promotion. Additionally, almost a quarter (23%) said they’ve felt left out at work due to their weight.
However, the problem seems to extend beyond the confines of the workplace, as more than half of those surveyed (53%) reported receiving negative remarks about their weight at some point in their day-to-day lives. The study underscores the wider effect that being overweight can have on individuals’ personal and professional existence.
Top 5 Weight in the Workplace discriminations:
- Feeling judged by colleagues (32%)
- Being gossiped about (26%)
- Lacking confidence to apply for promotion (25%)
- Feeling excluded by colleagues (23%)
- Being overlooked for promotion (14%)
According to nutritionist Mark Gilbert, the impact of weight on an individual’s sense of self-worth and confidence can be significant.
Discrimination based on weight is a common problem in the workplace, particularly for women. A separate report[i] found that women living with obesity suffer an individual wage penalty of around 13%, as well as other employment barriers, including recruitment issues and fewer opportunities for promotion.
To combat weight discrimination, legal experts recommend keeping a detailed diary of incidents and taking evidence to HR representatives to ensure that the problem is resolved.
Victoria Schofield, Solicitor, Slater and Gordon, said: “If you feel that you are being discriminated against due to your weight, there are steps you can take. Having evidence in the form of a detailed diary means employers are more likely to be able to take steps to resolve the issue. Make sure you have a definitive plan of action with your HR team to ensure this type of discrimination doesn’t happen again.”
*Survey by The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan
