A Weighty Work Issue

I’ve had this cartoon on my cube wall for years: Two little girls approach a scale. One says to the other, “Don’t step on it. It makes you cry.”

I’m not alone in my struggle with my weight. Whole industries are devoted to helping people shed pounds. And while this issue may seem to be confined to one’s personal life, weight definitely plays a role in the workplace -- especially at a company like Monster, where food seems to be everywhere. Having a sedentary job like office work also doesn’t help.

I’m currently doing Weight Watchers at Work, as I have at former jobs. So far, the scale hasn’t budged. But the combination of a great leader and the support of coworkers also working to manage their weight are powerful forces. Meeting leftovers on the counter? No thanks; I’m getting weighed soon. And being able to talk openly about which methods of weight loss are effective and which aren’t is a huge source of support.

There are other ways to promote healthy lifestyles at work, like getting a walking buddy to stroll with at lunchtime or pushing for more healthy choices in the vending machines. For their part, companies can offer wellness programs or nonfood rewards for good work.

If you’re looking for a job with health benefits built in, check out this list. And if you need more convincing that slimmer workers are good for everyone, read this analysis of obesity’s effect on the bottom line.

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