Press Releases

2006 Dec 28

FAT CAT BOSSES UNDER THREAT FROM FIT CATS

• Over three quarters of British bosses (79 per cent) believe that there is a prejudice against people who are seriously overweight in business
• 70 per cent of bosses believe that overweight people are seen as lacking self-discipline and control
• Almost half (44 per cent) of British business men and women plan a New Year’s Resolution to lose weight
• Almost half of employees would dress more smartly if their job was under threat
• Short skirts and skimpy tops divide the office, with approval dependent on age and sex

With the New Year firmly in sight and the excesses of the festive period edging up the needle on the bathroom scales, it appears that British bosses will be turning their attention to New Year’s resolutions of weight loss diets and gym membership. Indeed, British business executives believe that piling on the pounds inhibits career progression, according to a survey on workplace image by The Aziz Corporation – the UK’s leading executive communications consultancy. A clear majority of bosses also believe that those who are very fit and exercise regularly are better able to cope with the stresses and demands of a senior role in business.

Professor Khalid Aziz, Chairman of The Aziz Corporation, comments:

“Contrary to the belief that brains not weight is important in business, and that only supermodels and celebrities need to concern themselves with diets and regular exercise to look good, this research reveals that appearance matters in business, and that weight is one of the key factors in appearance. Those who are heavily overweight give a message that they lack self-control. Consequently, others may believe that this behaviour will be reflected in their work, and that they may lack the self-esteem and ambition necessary for a senior role in business. The competitive nature of business and securing a senior role means that appearance can be make or break.”