Does Size Matter?

Hi Linda,

Thank you for being courageous in bringing up what most of us would describe as a sensitive issue. As for why the crew agents won’t give you a straight answer about this, it’s not as simple as it sounds. I spoke to several crew agents who said they feel very conflicted in this area. They don’t want to open themselves up to potential litigation by outwardly telling someone their size is the problem, but at the same time, they are being told by yachts not to send them any candidates over a specific size. It is a very sensitive issue. Unfortunately, although we all value transparency, I can understand the predicament you and the recruitment agencies face.

So let’s look at your rights, the legalities, and how candidates can navigate the muddy waters of political correctness under-the-radar discrimination.

A simple internet search reveals pages and pages of articles and academic papers on the issue of size discrimination in the workplace and hiring. The laws vary by country, so let’s look at a few key nations and their policies. It is illegal to ask a person about their health or disability in the application or interview process in the UK. According to Gov.uk, you can’t mention an individual’s physical health or disability unless “There are necessary requirements of the job that can’t be met with reasonable adjustments”.

The US has a more direct approach to the topic. The US Equal Employment Opportunities Commission states: “Height and weight requirements tend to disproportionately limit the employment opportunities of some protected groups and unless the employer can demonstrate how the need is related to the job, it may be viewed as illegal under federal law.

Several states and localities have laws explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on height and weight unless based on actual job requirements. Therefore, unless job-related, inquiries about height and weight should be avoided.

In France, things go a little further. An academic paper on the issue, Not “Fit” for Hire: The United States and France on Weight Discrimination in Employment, discusses the French sensitivity to diversity in law, in light of Nazi occupation in World War II. While the EU Directive prohibits employment discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation, France’s Article L.122-45 goes further to provide that no person may be discriminated against based on physical appearance.

Regardless of the laws, however, eliminating candidates in Superyachting based on weight and appearance appears to be an ongoing issue. The recruiters are in a sticky spot; they have to follow their clients’ wishes while avoiding litigation. It’s so easy for an employer to say they chose another candidate for a different reason that there is virtually no way of proving a discrimination case for – meaning these discrimination laws don’t do anything to protect people from weight-based discrimination. The resulting scenario drives the topic under the radar as nobody wants to talk about it.

In sum, the problem is a compounded one for women, especially in an industry where the reality is that there is intense competition for a handful of entry-level stewardess positions. I would suggest continuing to do everything in your capability, including vocational training and networking, to strengthen your chances for successful employment. You have the skills required to be an outstanding stewardess.

Another thing to consider is that although image is probably the first reason for this sizeist attitude, the fact is yachting is a very physical job. The work is very strenuous, and a good level of physical fitness and health is essential to have the stamina to see out a busy season. This does not strictly mean that a size 8 fits all roles, but young, strong, fit people will be seen as being more of a ‘safe bet’ to Captains who want to reduce any risk associated with hiring people who might not be able to deliver in terms of performance. Don’t get me wrong; there are also girls in the industry who have the physique and level of fitness required but are poor performers due to their laziness.

I want to be clear about one thing however, I would never recommend for anyone to take extreme measures to look a certain way and would caution anyone looking to lose weight to do so in a healthy, balanced way as part of a long term healthy eating and living plan, with advice and support from health professionals. There is a lot of pressure on women to be slim in this industry, and it can have the propensity to lead to eating disorders and other health-related complications. It is far more important to be happy and healthy in mind and body than to fit into a specific ‘size’.

Last but not least, there are yachts out there who favour attitude and experience over looks and size. Regardless of anything else, my advice is always to present yourself in the most favourable light possible. Good looks and a slim waist are fleeting attributes, but professionalism, a can-do attitude and a great smile will make a lasting impression on a good employer.