Written by Rupert Kircz | Wednesday, 25 February 2009 | There are 0 comments
lower productivity because of long term health problems in obese women
A far reaching study done in Canada which looked into obesity issues shows that men who are overweight are almost four times more probable not to turn up to work than normal weight individuals of the same age. The study which looked at men between the ages of 18 and 34 noted however that older individuals who were obese did not show the same rates of absence from work. They speculated that this could be because ill health had already made many of them completely unemployable.
The study also commented on the phenomenon called ‘presenteeism’ which is reduced productivity while technically working. The researchers claim that this reduced working ability was particularly noted among women. There was a “greater tendency” for lower productivity because of long term health problems in obese women between the ages of 35 and 64 and also obese men between the ages of 55 and 64.
The researchers concluded that obesity in many cases causes stress and long term health issues which impact significantly on labour market productivity. In Canada the number of men and women who are classified as obese is much less than in America at only 16% but has risen from 12% over the last ten years. In America it is estimated that around 35% of adults are obese.
Employers are catching on to the fact that obese employees will end up costing them more money for the same amount of work when compared to normal weight people. There is also the negative image perception that some employers have with overweight individuals which means that the rates of unemployment among men and women with weight problems are significantly higher.
It is a harsh truth and reality to face for many overweight people but they should know that by losing weight they could significantly improve the chances of getting a job. Employers should also be aware that if they keep their workforce healthy with incentives to join gyms and eat healthily they will get better productivity and ultimately boost profits.
