Benefits May 12, 2011

Employees Still Struggling with Waistlines

May 12, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – Eighteen percent of workers report they’ve lost weight in their current jobs, compared to 16% who said the same last year, according to a new CareerBuilder survey.
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However, 43% of workers said they have gained weight in their current jobs, in line with findings from the last two years.  

One-quarter (24%) of workers said stress has contributed to their weight gain, down from 32% last year.   

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Other factors workers cite for contributing to weight gain in the office include:  

  • Sitting at a desk most of the day – 36%; 
  • Eating out regularly – 16%; 
  • Skipping meals because of time constraints – 13%; and 
  • Workplace celebrations (potlucks, birthdays, etc…) – 12%. 

 

According to a press release, half of workers surveyed say they eat out for lunch at least one day a week, making it difficult to control portions and calorie intake. Two-thirds (65%) of employees snack at least once a day, including one-quarter that snack twice a day.   

The survey found that to help workers maintain healthier lifestyles, more than one-quarter (28%) of companies provide gym passes, workout facilities, or wellness benefits.  

The survey was conducted from February 21 through March 10, 2011, among 5,671 workers.

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