Keeping An Eye On The Corporation And The Employees

As if work isn't stressful enough, there are new reports coming out which suggest it's going to get even more stressful.

You will no longer be able to ease that stress with a smoke or a drink because your boss will be watching you.

Corporations with an eye on the bottom line know that health care premiums are climbing ever higher and there's a powerful incentive to reduce costs and increase profits.

If you, the employee, would quit smoking lower blood pressure reduce cholesterol lose weight exercise regularly live a healthy life style.....You thought your only job was to be a productive member of the team, perform your duties and earn your paycheck?

You, the employee, are also expected to be relatively sheep-like and a bit thick, as your employer is being told that you would do all those things in exchange for a gift card.

To date, wellness programs for the laboring classes have not resulted in lowering premiums. No matter. Corporate officers have been assured by the insurance underwriters that if they would only just push the notion a little harder, coercing employees to be healthier will eventually show positive results.

It can't be just a few employees who embrace the healthy lifestyle program. All the employees have to be on board for cost savings to be realized.

Get ready.

You'll soon be under pressure to sign on with the wellness coach who will be setting up shop near the front door so that the smokers can be kept under watch. As if you don't have enough to do, between commuting, the kids and their schedules, keeping up the house and minding your aging parents, you can add a few classes to the mix.

And it won't just be your boss getting after you. Your fellow workers, who have been promised that their insurance costs will drop if they get everyone to the spin class at noon, will harass you as well. If you smoke, you'll be under pressure to quit. It you eat, you'll be under pressure to eat fruits and vegetables and low-fat items.

It's time to fight for your rights as an adult. Otherwise, you'll always be treated as a recalcitrant child.

I'm going out for a smoke.