What you need to do
Gain management support
It's important to gain support and commitment from senior
management right from the start.
Having management on board will make it a lot easier for you to
implement your initiatives.
Find out about people's interests
You should choose and plan your activities according to your
colleagues' interests and needs.
One way of gathering this information is to conduct a short
survey. Ask about other factors that will help your planning, for
example, when colleagues are most likely to participate.
Download the
employee survey and
tailor it to suit your workplace.
You can also gather employee feedback through:
- informal meetings or chats
- team meetings
- suggestion boards or boxes
- online feedback
- events.
Conduct a workplace survey
A workplace survey will highlight how you can use existing
resources or adapt the environment you work in to support your
healthy eating programme. It's also a good idea to look at what is
available locally.
Download the
workplace environment
audit and tailor it to suit your
workplace.
Healthy eating policy
A workplace healthy eating policy is a written document stating
an organisation's commitment to eating well. It outlines how the
organisation will promote and encourage healthy eating in the
workplace.
- Find out more about writing a Healthy eating policy.
Download the Health at Work policy
template and tailor it to suit your
workplace.
Plan your initiatives
Don't underestimate the amount of time it takes to plan and
organise an activity. Allow plenty of time and prepare thoroughly -
this will pay off in the long run. Remember to start small and
build on what you are doing over time. Think about who your
audience is, and try to offer a variety of activities to meet the
needs of as many people as possible.
Choose your initiatives
Decide what you are going to offer, based on the feedback and
information you've gathered. If you've received plenty of different
suggestions, you'll have to prioritise which ones to focus
on.
If you'd like more ideas, go to the how to do it area or search
for a healthy eating
event.
See what works – offer taster sessions
After asking colleagues for their input, it's important to show
them that something is happening.
Running taster sessions is a good way to show action, identify
demand, receive further feedback and gain learning for planning
future initiatives.
Produce an action plan
An action plan of initiatives based on what employees would
like, spread over six months, will help you to focus on what you
are going to deliver and when.
Revise your plan regularly and be flexible – you may have to
change plans to suit people's needs, preferences and availability.
Download the
Action plan template to help you with your
planning.
Promote your initiatives
It is important to make people aware of your initiatives and
encourage them to take part. People can't participate if they don't
know what is happening.
Give adequate notice so that they can set aside the time and
arrange their work around it. While some may have shown an initial
interest in an activity, they may need a gentle reminder or
encouragement to participate.
Find out more about promoting your initiatives in the healthy
eating booklet Create an appetite for healthy eating, part of the
Health at Work toolkit.