Should you hire Fat People?

We recently noticed a letter that was spreading over Facebook like wildfire. It was addressed to an overweight runner, and the writer attempted to congratulate the runner on her hard work and dedication to losing weight. Some people found it fake and condescending. Others found it inspirational.

It simply got us thinking about individuals who may be overweight and how employers deal with these issues.

In the workplace, the people you hire may not always look the way you want them to look. Some might be overweight, others might have wrinkles or acne, and some might simply be unappealing to you personally. What we were wondering is: Do you think that gives you the right to deny a person a job?

If the answer to that question is yes, then your company is in for some trouble. Being biased and preventing those who are overweight from being a part of your Tampa Bay jobs is not only wrong, but it could keep you from hiring individuals who could really help your business succeed.

Judging people from their outward appearance doesn’t allow you to see them for who they truly are. Consider for a moment these ten awesome individuals who rock, but who you might not even give a chance if they were applying for Tampa Bay jobs.

• Oprah Winfrey
• Queen Latifah
• Adele
• Chris Cristie
• Jack Black
• Kevin James
• Melissa McCarthy
• Rosie O’Donnell
• Kathy Bates
• Harold Hamm

If these individuals walked into your office, (and you didn’t know who they were,) and asked to fill out an application, would you give them the time of day?