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Healthy eating in the workplace

Eating well at work helps employees stay healthy, feel more energetic, and work better.

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What employers can do

Here are some ways you can support healthy eating at work:

Promoting NHS Wales’ Healthy Weight Healthy You programme

One of the best ways employers can support healthy eating is by promoting NHS Wales’ Healthy Weight Healthy You programme.

This resource provides guidance on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Employers can direct employees to the programme, where they can access tailored support and take a five-minute health assessment.

Providing healthy food options

Employers can support healthy eating by providing nutritious food options in the workplace.

Stocking vending machines with healthier snacks and offering fresh fruit at meetings can make a difference.

Working with catering providers to improve menu choices ensures employees have access to balanced meals.

Raising awareness

Raising awareness about good nutrition is also important.

Employers can share tips through newsletters, posters, and digital platforms.

Organising workplace nutrition talks or webinars helps educate staff, while providing resources on meal planning and balanced diets supports informed choices.

Encouraging a healthy eating culture

Creating a culture that encourages healthy eating requires active engagement.

Setting up healthy eating challenges or initiatives can motivate employees.

Managers should lead by example by promoting nutritious choices and discouraging the choosing of unhealthy snacks.

Supporting breaks and mealtimes

Supporting employees in taking proper breaks can also improve their eating habits.

Encouraging full lunch breaks and providing dedicated spaces for meals enables mindful eating.

Promoting a culture that values proper mealtimes helps prevent rushed or skipped meals.

Promoting hydration

Hydration is a key factor in workplace wellbeing.

Employers should ensure easy access to water stations.

Offering healthier drink alternatives helps reduce reliance on sugary alternatives. 

Supporting dietary needs

Supporting employees with dietary needs makes the workplace more inclusive.

Employers should offer a variety of food options that cater to different dietary requirements.

Clearly labelling allergens and nutritional information ensures employees can make informed choices.

Creating a culture of respect for different dietary preferences creates a positive and supportive environment.

Helping remote employees

Remote employees can also benefit from workplace healthy eating initiatives.

Sharing meal prep ideas, offering virtual nutrition sessions and encouraging meal planning at home supports healthier habits beyond the office.

Encouraging long-term healthy eating habits

Making healthy eating a long-term priority is important for workplace wellbeing.

Employers should regularly review food choices and gather employee feedback to make improvements.

Embedding nutrition into workplace wellbeing policies ensures that healthy eating remains a consistent focus.

Recognising and celebrating progress helps maintain motivation and engagement in healthy initiatives.

Page last reviewed: 25th March 2025

A close up of different pots of vegetables at a buffet.