Employee's Weight
Lindsay
2 Posts
The CEO & CFO of our comany have requested that I, as the HR Director speak to our Network Administrator about his weight. The N.A. would be considered obese as he is about 6'0" and weighs between 300 & 350lbs. The executive officer's concerns come from a view that the N.A. is a very valuable asset to our company and they are looking into the future and what impact this added weight will have on his health. At this time there does not appear to be any performance issues due to his weight. The exec's are even willing to pay for pounds lost!! I have dealt with other personal hygene issues but this one makes me a little nervous.....I am not exactly miss slim myself.
I called our company's legal counsel about a month ago and they wanted to think about it and get back to me.....haven't heard anything yet....any thoughts?
I called our company's legal counsel about a month ago and they wanted to think about it and get back to me.....haven't heard anything yet....any thoughts?
Comments
Who is to say why this EE is overweight? Could bring out a whole host of ADA issues you don't even want to know about.
I think the fact that you have noted there appear to be no performance issues tied to his weight is very important. CEO/CFO seem to be focusing on an issue that is, quite frankly, none of their business.
It's often said that discrimination against the overweight is one of the final remaining "things" for which it is socially acceptable to discriminate against people. I believe it is in California where they attempted to get this added as a protected class.
Are you going to sit down with the secretary who downs 2 pots of coffee each day next? How about the three pack a day smoker? How about the overly skinny girl in accounting? Is she eating right?
On the other hand, if he is not able to do the job, you may want to address that. If his obesity does not prohibit a major life activity but just makes it hard for him to do his job or lethargic, is it still an ADA issue?
Paul
Guess what? People who are overweight know it. People who are overweight don't need to be told that they are fat or that it will have negative effects on their health. They know it.
Telling this guy you are concerned about his weight is only going to make him feel bad (at best) and at worst will make him angry.
Remember, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I am sure that the people that want you to talk to this guy really have good intentions, but they are on the road to you know where.
I suggest you leave the guy alone.
Good Luck!
The only suggestion I have for you is to continue to throw in "we only tell you because your a great asset to this organization" it takes the sting out and eases the pain of going home knowing that everyone is thinking about you!!! Also tell him ALOT, some people don't get it the first time and need constant reminders. :~~
James Sokolowski
Senior Editor
M. Lee Smith Publishers