Here’s what you need to know – and it’s not complicated!

Body neutrality is the key. Not familiar? Think of body neutrality as body positivity’s more accessible cousin. You don’t have to love your body 100% of every single day for it to be worthy. According to body neutrality, we can exist exactly as we are and be deserving of acceptance and respect, without judgement.

Acceptance is for every body. When I say every body, this means every body and everybody and anybody of any size, shape, race, gender, sexuality, nationality, physical ability, etc. Larger bodies, smaller bodies. Strong bodies, soft bodies, curvy bodies, bodies taking GLP-1s, bodies gaining weight in ED recovery, trans bodies, nonbinary bodies, naked bodies, clothed bodies, tattooed bodies, pierced bodies, wrinkly bodies, smooth bodies… you get the idea. Every body is deserving of respect and acceptance, without judgement.

Unconscious bias is a b*tch. And it’s everywhere. We all have history. Our families, cultures, coaches, and communities have heavily influenced our individual perceptions of body image, health and discipline. The wellness industry is so profitable because people are constantly chasing every new body “trend” (genetics be d*mned) from 2010 curves to extreme Y2K – and now 2020s – thinness. The goal is not to blame people for what they’ve been taught, but to offer a more diverse (and more accurate) perspective on what it looks like to have healthy habits and bodies.

But why does this matter in the workplace? There are plenty of reasons. First, consider how decision-making around office furniture, uniforms, company merch, fitness challenges, lunch orders, remote work and healthcare policies could directly affect employees with diverse body types.

And when it comes to hiring and retention, the issue goes even deeper. Picture someone who is very disciplined, motivated, accomplished. You want to hire and promote people with those traits, right? But what does this person look like, physically, when you imagine them in your head?

Underlying biases can overpower career opportunities, but there are actionable steps that can close this gap and make the workplace a more comfortable, accessible and informed environment for every BODY.