10 measures to help implement healthy eating in the workplace

When it comes to healthy eating, things can often seem complicated. Sinister headlines warning of the dangers of certain foods one minute, contradicted by positive reports the next. And once you’ve worked your way through the confusion, the prospect of demanding eating regimes that test your resolve to the limit: fasting, tracking nutrients, counting calories… no wonder some still find it hard to imagine how nutrition in all its complexity translates in the workplace.

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I got a strong sense of this when I was approached by a visitor to our stand at an event last year. Her facial expression simultaneously conveying a (high) degree of skepticism and derision: “What on earth do you do?!”– perhaps memories of infamous TV nutritionists collecting stool samples had sprung to mind. Or simply, and understandably she might have been thinking that employers interfering with people’s eating patterns was a step too far?

Approached in the wrong way there could certainly be a danger of this (any form of mandatory participation would certainly tip the balance..) but the business case is clear: both companies and employees stand to benefit from putting in place measures in a way that’s helpful and sensitive.

According to Business in the Community figures, poor eating habits are costing UK employers around £17 billion a year. Certainly anyone who’s experienced a post lunchtime carb crash will attest to the fact that what we eat can have a huge impact on productivity. Our job is to help employers minimise the burden on all levels: from financial cost to the business to the impact on employees’ health.

Here are ten ideas which will make a difference – from simple adjustments you can implement in-house and see immediate benefits to longer term planning.

Reviewing meeting snacks and lunches
This is a quick win to help banish the sandwich and crisp platter brain drain. Speak to your catering provider about alternatives to the traditional carb rich meetings fare. Increase options rich in protein and plant fibre. Small bowls of unsweetened nuts and seeds offered as snacks (alongside if not 'instead of' the biscuits or pastries) will make a big difference to energy and motivation
Placing a cinnamon shaker by the coffee machine
Cinnamon has been shown to improve glucose metabolism (contributing to diabetes type 2 prevention) and is a pleasant alternative to conventional sweeteners. A small gesture made every day - often many times a day - could add up to a huge impact throughout the year
Investing in some new kitchen equipment
Think about introducing a smoothie blender next to the toaster - brands such as NutriBullet are extremely easy to use and clean... Having the right tools to hand can go a long way to shaping new habits.
Encouraging employees to leave their desk at lunchtime
The majority of office workers still eat lunch ‘al desko’, with barely a pause from their screen. This makes it difficult for the nervous system to achieve a state of 'rest and digest'. Being distracted when eating also can mean that chewing go out of the window. It’s a recipe for digestive issues and a missed opportunity to de-stress.

What would encourage your staff to leave their desk? You could consider creating a space that’s inviting and allows for relaxation and socialising if there isn’t one currently (perhaps repurposing a space). Communicating the benefits can be helpful too. The most powerful influence however is the example set by line managers and senior leadership
Keeping hydration top of mind
There are many studies highlighting the downsides of a dehydrated brain: lower mood, memory and cognitive performance... At best it could put paid to the next innovative idea, and at worst lead to health and safety being compromised - one of the studies showed that dehydration led to significantly more errors when driving.

Does your work environment provide enough access to fresh filtered drinking water? If your employees are out and about or busy serving customers, you could consider offering them BPA-free reusable water bottles, or access to pitchers to keep on their desk (also an environmentally friendly solution...)
Re-thinking food themed rewards
In my previous corporate work environment, buying a top performer a tray of doughnuts was the accolade of choice… however food culture is changing and not everyone would perceive this to be a treat nowadays. The perception of food as a reward is deep-rooted in our culture, but there are plenty of alternatives to choose from, in particular ones which promote self care – massage anyone?
Prioritising employees whose job entails specific health risks
Think about starting with targeted initiatives, especially if in the early stages of building a business case for nutrition. Employees who travel extensively for business, those in high stress roles combined with strong time pressure will benefit from coaching, education and motivation. The case is strongest for night shift workers, for whom risk factors for diseases such as diabetes type 2 are significantly increased and can be reduced through diet and lifestyle.
Providing diet and lifestyle support alongside screening
Being told their ‘numbers’ can be a daunting process for many people, particularly if they are outside of the recommended range. It’s important to provide support alongside screening that will motivate people to make changes and help them feel empowered when it comes to their health. This means clearly explained, practical guidance and coaching delivered in a way that’s supportive and encouraging.
Addressing nutrition within seasonal health campaigns
Many employers run awareness events to coincide with campaigns in the national or global media, whether it’s Mental Health Awareness Week, Dry January or Men’s Health Awareness in November. Think about including workshops, drop-in consultations or asking your catering provider to adapt the menu to focus on the nutritional aspects of these themes. It can be a great way to bring variety and a different angle to your campaign.
Combining healthy eating and team building
Healthy or unhealthy, food provides a powerful bonding experience. Healthy eating messages can only benefit from being made fun and engaging. Think food tastings, demonstrations and smoothie making competitions – they are all popular team building activities which can also inspire longer term habit changes. If employees leave feeling motivated to have their 5 a day, without feeling preached to, that’s a big win all round.