Looking back to a typical 80s childhood, school dinners were not exactly health affairs. Chips and pizza were the order of the day at high school, with the odd vegetable thrown in for good measure (which, of course, no one ate). Fast forward to 2025, and there has been a profound change in how people want to eat, including in the workplace. Workplace canteens and cafes are now expected to provide a range of sustainable, convenient, and healthy food and beverage options. But it is not just a matter of employee demand; more and more employers are realising the importance of diet in the workplace. So why should your business embrace healthy eating in the workplace in 2025?
What is the cost of poor dietary habits to business?
According to research by Public Health England, obesity costs the wider economy over £27 billion, and this figure is rising. When you look at the impact on business, it is easy to see why. Obese workers tend to take more sickness absence leave than workers with a more healthy weight, equating to four extra sick days per year. It is also known that a poor diet can negatively affect day-to-day performance and productivity. Also, consider that employees in good health can be up to three times more productive in the workplace. From this perspective it is easy to see why businesses are becoming increasingly focused on the wellbeing of their staff, including how they eat. Given that employees in offices, factories and other workplaces typically consume around a third of their daily calories at work, offering healthy options can positively impact the overall health of employees.
Why does poor diet negatively affect workplace performance?
There are many reasons that poor diet has a negative impact on workplace performance and attendance. One key reason is that eating diets that are high in refined carbohydrates causes fluctuating blood sugar levels, which in turn causes impaired attention span and information processing. We all know that feeling of being exhausted in the afternoon and struggling to focus in meetings. We know that eating well-balanced meals and drinking plenty of water can significantly help us to feel satiated, alert, and energised throughout the day.
What are the benefits of healthy eating in the workplace?
Diets rich in fibre and protein, such as lean chicken, lentils, chickpeas, nuts, oats, and fruit and vegetables, have the effect of slowly raising blood sugar rather than causing sharp spikes and can help to manage weight, increase focus and energy, and benefit our overall health. According to Public Health England, the benefits of improving health in the workplace include:
- Increased motivation of employees
- A better working atmosphere
- Greater flexibility and better communication;
