Overweight people at work

[KrissKross]

Ok so there is an obese person that works at our place.

They are reasonably pleasant, never turn up late for work or rarely off sick.

However, they work at a desk and will finish off a bag/box of chocolates by 10am, eat McDonald's for lunch most days. It's actually scary to watch and they are oblivious when anyone makes a health-related comment.

The person often complains of stomach ache, is lethargic and clearly unhealthy. when a task needs to be done they tend to move both physically and mentally at half the speed of everyone else.

I want to keep working with this person, and would really like to help them, however, I have no idea how to start a conversation with them on this subject, any ideas appreciated!

[KrissKross]

0a said:

Nothing to do with you.

If they are failing to do their job, speak to your manager.

Sorry, I am their manager. Well, actually I am not. I own the company.

[KrissKross]

CAPP0 said:

Off you go, chaps...

Ah, I see, so you have no suggestions, just attack the messenger?

[KrissKross]

There are some really angry people in here, I assume that's why many of you looking for an answer to your own problems within the employment section of the internet.

[KrissKross]

zygalski said:

Mental health issue. As an employer, you have an obligation to do something.
Perhaps suggest counselling?

Seriously?

[KrissKross]

WaferThinHam said:

Why did you employ them if you feel like this?

I employ a good number of people, all shapes and sizes. We are a really good and strong team.

I could just get rid of them but would like to help if I could, would you allow a family member to go through this?

[KrissKross]

The Spruce goose said:

Surely as the manager, sorry owner you can do better than coming on PH for employment advice.

Subsidised gym membership

free fruit/healthy snacks

ban eating at the desk

etc

I would gladly do all of that, would they accept, possibly not.

[KrissKross]

ruggedscotty said:

Travel agent & cultural mediator ...

Owns a BMW.... A 535....

On a car forum asking how to deal with a fat subordinate ?


yikes.... Im sooooo glad I dont work for you.

Believing someone's profile is correct, yes that's sensible.

Attacking someone you know nothing about, equally sensible.

[KrissKross]

Butter Face said:

As an ex-obese person I will tell you that I would have told you to get fked if you’d have offered to help me to lose weight. I did it when I wanted and my way.

Measure their performance against all other people doing the same job, manage them appropriately and get over it.

Good luck.

Agreed and thank you for a sensible response.

Performace measurement is an easy task but gut feel tells me they could do better if they sorted out their health. I honestly would like to help but even talking about the subject could get me into trouble as you point out.

[KrissKross]

xjay1337 said:

As a company director I wouldn't be asking for advice on such a menial matter on PH.

Perhaps you are a fat person expert, I am not, unfortunately.

Also, where would you ask for advice, and what is to say I haven't done the same as well?

[KrissKross]

AndStilliRise said:

OP have you thought about implementing a occupational health visit once a year for your employees? They would cover it in that and could indirectly make some points?

This is a very good suggestion, we could roll something out for all workers to avoid looking like I am singling someone out.

[KrissKross]

Jambo85 said:

Can't believe the bashing the OP is getting for this! I wish my employer cared about my health!

Thank you for this reply, yes I am only trying to help and getting slated for it.

It's so easy to be negative and says a lot more about the people who take the time to reply to topics like this than it does about me.

No doubt its the "fatties" that have a problem with this discussion.

[KrissKross]

xjay1337 said:

KrissKross said:

xjay1337 said:

As a company director I wouldn't be asking for advice on such a menial matter on PH.

Perhaps you are a fat person expert, I am not, unfortunately.

Also, where would you ask for advice, and what is to say I haven't done the same as well?

Given that I am fat, yes I would say I am in an expert position.

My superiors doesn't care that I scoff chocolate at my desk. Mainly because they understand I eat at work to cover up the fact I'm deeply upset by working for such a of a boss.

Also, I don't suggest you ask for advice on running a business on PH.

That shows you don't really know how to run a business. It's also very clear you don't know how to interact with people.

Ok let's be clear:

I am a bad boss because I am raising this subject.

I don't know how to run a business but you work for someone else?

You hate your boss.

You are deeply upset.

You eat lots of chocolate.

Ok, great, thank you!

[KrissKross]

xjay1337 said:

your responsibility stops with their work.

Ok thanks for the advice, I will write that down in the big book of things bosses are not allowed to do.

Whilst we're at it when I see my team outside of working hours should I cross to the other side of the road?

[KrissKross]

xjay1337 said:

obesity / overweight is bad performance,

Are you really suggesting your health has no effect on your performance at all, be it mental or physical?

[KrissKross]

Dr Jekyll said:

it is none of the employers business.

It is absolutely my business..

[KrissKross]

Perpetual motion, solved by eating more cake. Who would have believed it!