Body Image Concerns in the Workforce

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

In our culture and society, we are constantly bombarded with messages about what our bodies should look like or what products we can utilize to change our bodies to be “better”. These messages may be obvious, as seen through an advertisement, or more discreet and subtle.

Whether consciously or subconsciously, the messages we are bombarded with can have an impact on how we view ourselves and perceive our own bodies.

How a Work Environment Can Influence Body Image

For some individuals, a work environment can play a tremendous role in body image or how one sees and observes their own body. This can be due to the nature of the job or the types of people that a person might be surrounded by.

Work industries that are primarily focused on a person’s body may by nature have more of an impact on body image than other types of jobs or professions. For example, models or professional athletes who are required to maintain a certain physique due to the nature of their work may be more inclined to suffer with poorer body image or low self esteem than other job professions.

The Diet Mentality Among Coworkers

For other people, the nature of the work environment itself or the type of people that one might work with can influence a person’s body image. For example, if dieting culture is something that is apparent and frequently engaged in among co-workers, this can begin to influence how a person views himself or herself.

If you find yourself constantly among people at work who comment about body types, dieting, or comparing themselves to others, this can begin to influence how you think about and view your own body.

Maintaining a Healthy Body Image

It is important to understand that you can maintain a healthy body image in whatever type of environment you find yourself in. Sometimes we cannot control the circumstances that we find ourselves in, but we can control how we choose to respond to certain situations.

If you find that your work environment is negative towards body images, practice steps of self-love that help you maintain a healthy body image. This can involve posting positive affirmations around your desk, wearing clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in, or choosing to associate with co-workers who help you feel good about yourself.

Community discussion – share your thoughts here!

What are ways that you can maintain a healthy positive image in the workplace?

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on June 19th, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com