Are you responsible for your own health? What about others?
In an interesting turn about, the Chicago Tribune has reversed its policy of fining employees who smoke on their own time. The original intent was to pressure employees into better health and reduce insurance premiums for all its employees. The president of the company has decided to try efforts ot entice employees to change behaviors with rewards rather than punishment. Changing adult behavior is very difficult. Peer pressure may work better than executive pressure. Should you be concerned about the health of your fellow workers if their behavior causes your insurance bill to increase? Few people today accept reponsibility for anything. We have become too lax with rewards and punishments. They need to be balanced. Is rewarding someone for changing behavior appropriate when those with desired behaviors get no reward?
