Embracing diversity and inclusion to combat obesity stigma in the workplace

Implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) principles is crucial for the well-being of all employees. This infographic showcases insights from community members who have experience dealing with obesity in various capacities.

It emphasizes the importance of providing appropriate resources and support for employees living with obesity to combat discrimination and improve their workplace experience. Key points include:

• People with obesity often face social challenges and discrimination at work, affecting their self-esteem, productivity, and increasing presenteeism and absenteeism. Dr. Sean Wharton, MD, Doctorate in pharmacy and medicine, and co-lead author of the Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines highlights that discrimination based on physical appearance can hold back talented individuals.
• Size inclusivity is often not represented in professional settings, leading to professional setbacks for those with higher BMI, as shared by Sandra Elia, a Certified Food Addiction Counsellor. She stresses the connection between elevated weight and chronic depression, and how weight stigma can impact confidence and job performance.
• Nicole Ardiel, an Employee Benefit Specialist, notes that weight stigma in the workplace is similar to past attitudes towards mental health. She advocates for recognizing obesity as a medical condition, not a lifestyle choice, and calls for the implementation of DE&I principles to support all employees.

The toolkit recommends actions for employers, such as recognizing the value of employees regardless of size, offering scientifically-rooted training programs, ensuring health benefit plans cover holistic obesity interventions, removing size-based participation in activities, and reviewing office equipment for accessibility. Additional obesity support considerations are also highlighted for inclusion within health benefit plans and work environments.