Is it fair that you need to compensate for coworkers that are unhealthy?
538719
While I can certainly understand your anger (my sister's a nurse and regularily vents about chronically absent collegues) , I believe that punishing people by reducing their earnings/disability/whatever based on a perceived responsibility for their own health problems strikes me as the first step on a slippery slope. \nWeight gain can be caused by diseases or medication - it isn't always clear cut. A fair share of normal weight people are basically unhealthy couch potatoes, they are just genetically favoured not to put weight on easily. They could just as easily fall prey to "self-induced" diseases brought on by unfitness and inactivity. How about people suffering from sports-related accidents? Scuba- or sky-diving, skiing - should they be punished? How about the jogger that breaks a leg? \nWhere does it stop? A lot of people get sick from side-effects of medication (and get medicated some more for those symptoms) - are they responsible? How about someone working in a highly allergenic environment who is prone to allergies? Their own fault? How about all those older people? Why should young, healthy people pick up their physical slack?\nI am sure you can see where I am heading. While I agree with you that it isn't always fair, many things aren't. At some point in our life we all are relying on other to help us over a hard spot til we get back on our feet. \nI believe this is the price we pay for living in a decent society, not in an absolutely cutthroat one where you are expendable trash when you don't function perfectly any more.
436189
If your involvement with the families was through your job, it is probably considered part of your work duties.  Therefore, the only compensation you should receive is your paycheck, not from the family.  Double check with your supervisor or legal counsel at your job.
1090555
Yes, it is legal and fair.  Employers can choose who they will or will not hire and what criteria they will set to determine who is qualified for any position.  \n\nDrug testing is often mandated for a number of reasons, especially in companies that have fleets of vehicles.  Insurance companies offer discounts or can even make it a requirement of insurance.  \n\nAs far as what you do on your personal time....you're right, no one should care what you do during personal time.  But, what happens if your personal time activities cause you to have an accident at work?  Why should your employer have to pay for your personal choices?
44546
Of course there is! Especially if you get to work with people who share the same values you have.  But it's never going to be 100% happy all the time. There will always be conflict but how it's resolved can make a different between a good workplace or a bad one.
919701
The Health Department may ask to come and test everyone at your work anyway, but don't worry about it unless you start feeling unwell.\n\nhttp://www.angelic1healing.com
830672
I think we have all been there.\n\nI have a co-worker that just cannot accept responsibility when she screws up.  It's maddening.\n\nSo.....I went onto MSN and found an article about working with difficult people, it described her to a "T" and I typed up a label and mailed it to her.\n\nShe was furious but it brought the issue into the open as she was trying to find out who did it and therefore we were able to discuss WHY someone would do that.  We also made her "put the shoe on the other foot" and think of how she would feel if she had to work with someone that treated her co-workers the way that she did.\n\nShe's still difficult and a witch most of the time but at least she thinks about her actions a little more.\n\nGood luck, there's one at every workplace.
844747
I am the boss.  I did get a tie one year from some of the women that had worked for me, I have not seen anything since then.  Most of my employees whine and cry and complain about the workplace.  Even when I had bought them doughnuts they complained about what kind I got.  I made them ham and bean soup and they complained about the type of soup.  Some people can be so ungratful.
1068286
If all else is equal, then yes. I have heard people complain about this, only to find that the more attractive person happened to also be more qualified or not a parent or nowhere near retirement age or a nonsmoker or some other thing that makes you a more useful employee.\n\nNow, if the "less attractive" person was more qualified, and was willing to do the job for the same pay, then it is indeed wrong.\n\nYes it could be considered discriminatory if it can be proven, but usually there would be a specific reason that could be cited for one person getting a job over another person.
215589
I think so. If your job test you and finds you positive, then you'd be put on leave until the problem was taken care of or fired. That is the profession they choose to be in, then that's their job and they need to be dealt with just like it was any other "regular" job.
781400
If you have an anonymous system for employee complaints, then use it to bring this to their attention. This kind of stuff isn't conducive to a healthy workplace, I would think someone in upper management would want to know. However, if you are working in a smaller company, you will have to decide if you feel its safe to speak up or not. \n\nNo, its not normal.
141548
Coming from a hard worker, I share your disgust with lazy co workers.  Considering how many unemployed and homeless ppl there are I have a serious dislike for ppl who show up at work and are there just to earn a paycheck  if theyre so unhappy with their jobs then move on and give soemone who will appreciate their job a chance.
719414
I don't think it's unhealthy.  It's all in what person you are.  I like staying at home rather than going out.  Sometimes I am just as comfortable around people as others are.  So I don't see anything wrong with that.
764916
Ignore them.  They're obviously blaming you for their own problems, and are not worth the time.  I used to have a coworker who accused me of sleeping with the boss because I didn't live pay cheque to pay cheque.  That's just because I didn't spend my money on clothes or nights out on the town and was saving for school instead.
727666
Contact your local health department.  You will need to go over your boss's head, which might cause some problems for you.  But in my opinion, it would be worth it to get those assholes to start obeying the law.  Best of luck.
987291
I'm irritated, my coworker took a sick day after complaining about her car yesterday on the phone all day, and I had to take her calls, and today I have to take her calls again and I have an ear ache. I'm the new one (less than a year) so I can't get sick or anything but I hate when she can get away with anything, she's always late, she has a bad attitude, any mistake I do, she tells my boss, any mistake she does is forgiven.
288500
I'm not sure of your whole question, but when it comes to "clients" making suggestions regarding health can be really tricky. Evaluate your situation to determine if it is your place to do something about it, and if not decide if you can go to somebody close to them or who they may listen to to express your concerns. Also, what is more important, having them healthy, or having them for a client?
9440
Workplace wellness is a serious issue. With terms like "stress-related-illness" and "burnout" becoming household words, organizations are increasingly looking for ways to keep their workforce happy, healthy and productive.