Workplace & Employer Resources
Create a more inclusive, supportive environment for employees living with obesity.
Obesity is a chronic disease that affects nearly one in three Canadians, yet many workplaces are not equipped to support employees living with obesity. The economic impact is substantial—costing Canada $27.6 billion annually, with workplace productivity losses three times higher than direct healthcare costs.
Weight bias in the workplace further worsens these challenges, affecting hiring, wages, promotions, and overall well-being. By creating inclusive, supportive workplaces, employers can improve employee health, productivity, and retention while reducing costs.
Discussing weight in the workplace: when and how?
Conversations about weight in the workplace should be approached with care, sensitivity, and only when necessary.
Discussing weight may be relevant for:
- Workplace safety considerations.
- Hygiene requirements that apply to all employees.
- When job responsibilities require adjustments or accommodations.
- Legal obligations under human rights laws, ensuring fair treatment and accessibility.
What to avoid
✖ Making assumptions about a person’s health based on weight.
✖ Linking workplace wellness programs to weight loss goals.
✖ Using stigmatizing language or making unsolicited comments about someone’s weight.
Creating an inclusive workplace: Actionable steps for employers
1. Address weight bias and stigma
Workplace weight bias, stigma, and discrimination affects hiring, promotions, wages, and career growth—especially for women. Over 50% of employees living with obesity report experiencing stigma from coworkers or employers, which impacts mental health and job performance.
Make a difference by:
✔ Recognizing and challenging weight-related stereotypes.
✔ Offering training on weight bias and inclusive workplace culture.
✔ Implementing policies that prevent weight-based discrimination.
2. Evaluate workplace facilities and policies
Employees should feel safe and comfortable in their work environment. Many workplaces unintentionally exclude individuals with obesity through inaccessible spaces and policies.
Make a difference by:
✔ Ensuring office furniture, uniforms, and equipment accommodate diverse body sizes.
✔ Reviewing travel policies to include considerations for employees requiring additional space or accommodations.
✔ Structuring workplace wellness programs to focus on health rather than weight loss.
Subscribe to access our Workplace Environment Considerations Checklist and learn how to support employees living with obesity.
3. Educate leadership and teams
Training leadership and employees on obesity as a chronic disease can help eliminate bias, improve workplace culture, and foster a more inclusive, supportive environment.
Make a difference by:
✔ Educating teams that obesity is a chronic disease, not a personal failure.
✔ Offering leadership training on inclusivity and psychological safety.
✔ Promoting workplace policies that focus on health, well-being, and accessibility.
Free, on-demand obesity education for employers and HR professionals
Best practices for managing obesity in the workplace
Learn how to create an inclusive, supportive workplace for employees living with obesity. This course provides practical strategies to address weight bias, improve workplace policies, and foster a healthier, more equitable work environment.
Chronic disease in the workplace: A foundational formula for employee well-being and organizational success
Creating a supportive workplace isn’t just good for employees—it’s good for business. This course explores how chronic diseases like obesity impact the workplace and provides actionable strategies to improve employee well-being, reduce stigma, and foster a healthier, more productive work environment.
4. Invest in obesity care through benefits programs
Workplaces play a critical role in helping prevent and manage obesity. Offering benefits that cover obesity treatments—including behavioral therapy, medications, and surgical interventions—can improve employee well-being and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
Make a difference by:
✔ Expanding benefits coverage to include obesity care.
✔ Supporting flexible work schedules that allow for medical appointments and treatment.
✔ Fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes health and not weight.
Build a healthier, more inclusive workplace
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