Supportive environment

Here are some ideas for how to make it easier for employees to eat well and drink sensibly.

• Changes to the environment – small changes to your workplace environment can make a big difference to people's eating habits. For example:
  keep vending machines well stocked with healthier choices. For more information on vending machines
  order Think Fit! Eat Well! and go to pages 103-164.
  provide sufficient seating in staff rooms and sufficient breakout space for lunch and coffee breaks
  ensure that fridges are clean and well maintained
• Access to food in the workplace – in a busy work environment, many employees will skip meals because there is no access to food on-site. You can support employees by providing:
  a simple supply of healthy snacks
  vending machines with healthier options
  a staff cafeteria/restaurant.
• Access to drinking water in the workplace – employers are required to provide this by law.
• Appropriate food storage facilities – many workers bring in packed lunches and it's important for health and hygiene reasons that food isn't left to sit in a warm office for hours. This is particularly important during the summer.
• Areas for employees to prepare their own meals – these must be clean and well maintained. Healthy meals can be prepared with the minimum amount of equipment and in the smallest of kitchens.
  For more information on equipping a small kitchen order Think Fit! Eat Well! and go to page 116.
• Healthy eating guidelines for external caterers – try to ensure that healthy eating guidelines are reflected in the types of food provided, cooking methods, and the way in which food is displayed and promoted.
• On-site facilities – providing space for healthy eating workshops, or organising cookery lessons or weight management sessions.
• Obtain discounts for employees at food outlets that offer a choice of healthier food.