CIPP/US Study Guide
Chapter 12: Workplace Privacy

Lifestyle Discrimination

Off-duty lifestyle is generally treated as private. Weight-based rules can invite discrimination suits (and obesity from a physiological disability may be ADA-covered, though courts split). No federal law protects smokers, but more than half of states limit smoking bans to the workplace, protecting off-duty smoking.

An employee's off-duty lifestyle is generally private unless it harms others or is criminal. Weight rules (the classic flight-attendant example) can invite discrimination suits; the EEOC has obtained settlements where obesity resulted from a physiological disability, though courts have split. A 2013 wellness program required employees to report weight or pay a $600 annual surcharge.

Smoking

No federal law protects smokers from discrimination. But more than half the states limit smoking bans to the workplace, protecting employees who smoke off-duty/off-premises.

Key terms - quick answers

What is “Lifestyle discrimination”?
Adverse employer action based on an employee's lawful off-duty conduct (e.g., weight or smoking); a developing area governed largely by varied state laws.