The HBR Women at Work series addresses the various predicaments and opportunities that life confronts us with as we go along in our careers. Each is a collection of research findings, eye-opening personal perspectives, and practical advice. You can order the books through HBR's online store, Amazon, or your favorite bookseller. And three more are in the works and available to pre-order.
Have you ever hesitated to take on a particular role or get up in front of other people because you felt self-conscious about your weight? Or worried that others would see you as unprofessional or “not equipped” for leadership positions? Perhaps you’ve made offhand comments about a colleague’s eating habits?
Weight bias is everywhere, including at work, and yet it’s rarely discussed openly or made part of efforts to create equitable and inclusive workplaces. It should be, especially given what we know about the economic and emotional costs to women who are on the receiving end of this stigma.
Two women who have studied weight bias at work—and the misconceptions that underpin it—help us understand our role in creating a positive body culture.
Guests:
Dr. Habibah Williams is a nurse practitioner at the University of Virginia.
Grace Lemmon is a management professor at DePaul University.
Resources:
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