Fun ways to promote healthy eating in the workplace
What we eat plays a big role in how we feel, both physically and mentally, which can make a huge difference in our productivity and happiness at work. It also influences our risk of developing long-term health issues. As workers we spend a lot of our time in the workplace, and often have at least one meal a day there. These are good reasons why we want to make eating nourishing, healthy food at work as easy and enjoyable as possible. There are plenty of ways to make healthy eating at work simple and still keep it fun—here’s how.
What does a healthy eating workplace look like?
A healthy eating workplace is one that creates environments that make eating healthy food easier. This means having:
- Policies around what food is provided at meetings, conferences, social events, in onsite canteens and vending machines. The majority of the food should be healthy options, that are easily accessible and front and centre with the less nutritious food the minority. For example, having guidelines that can be provided to external caterers around what type of healthy food to provide.
- Policies around when alcohol can be served and ensuring plenty of non-alcoholic and low sugar beverages are available.
- Having a water cooler or filtered water tap so water is the most accessible drink.
- Supplying snacks such as fresh fruit and/or vegetables, breakfast cereals and whole grain crackers as alternatives to sweet biscuits or baked goods.
- Having a breastfeeding room with a fridge and washing up facilities.
- Having a clean fridge for people to bring and keep their lunch in as well as microwaves for reheating.
- A pleasant area for meal breaks, ideally some outside area.
- Enough plates, bowls and cups in good condition and plenty of cutlery and options for keeping them clean along with other lunch containers and water bottles.
- Non-food related fundraising (such as socks, toothbrushes, sunscreen—AKA items that aren’t the typical chocolate drive!) and, if running morning tea fundraisers, to ensure healthy options are available.
- Provide flexible work hours where possible and encourage healthy eating throughout the day, including encouraging workers to eat away from their desks
- Provide information and education regarding healthy eating options to workers
- Dietitian available to talk to team or provide nutrition sessions
What are the benefits of a healthy workplace?
A workplace that promotes healthy eating sets the stage for overall wellbeing, inspiring people to take care of other aspects of their health—like staying active, prioritising mental wellness, and getting quality sleep.
We know that a healthy diet helps reduce the risk of chronic disease and can positively influence our mood. A workplace with people in a good mood could only be a good thing, let alone people in good health.
5 ways you can promote healthy eating in the workplace
Tip 1: Include the team
Ask the team for suggestions about healthy eating options they will enjoy. Make sure to consult everyone before making changes, then seek feedback and tweak as you go. When people feel included, you're more likely to see excitement, better engagement, and lasting results.
Tip 2: Start small and grow big
Start with small changes and gradually add in more. This might be changing only some of the menu items in the cafeteria or vending machine and then seeking feedback before you change more.
People always like to be given a benefit, so supplying fresh produce in the lunchroom can be a good place to start. This may encourage people to try fruit and vegetables they haven’t eaten before.
Tip 3: Have a policy around food and nutrition
To take the pressure off needing a brief every time about what healthy options are provided at the workplace, develop a policy and provide examples of what foods are encouraged and which ones will be limited when work events are on. There are plenty of good resources out there to help shape this.
Tip 4: Provide nutrition information and resources
Providing some information about why healthy eating is so important and how it will be of benefit to employees may help individuals understand why certain foods are provided and others not. A local dietitian could provide a series of seminars, cooking demonstrations or even a local shopping tour.
Tip 5: Have fun with food
Food isn't just about nutrients—it's also about connection and fun! Spice up your lunches with themed days like soups, salads, or international cuisines. When people see the personal benefits of getting involved - whether it's health, enjoyment, social interaction, or even bragging rights - they're more likely to take part.
Healthylife Advisory Board Member Dr Robert McCartney’s own workplace Resile holds a cooking competition that has grown in competitors to see who makes the best curry, soup or salad. “We have found this not only promotes healthy eating, it fosters a wonderful team culture and we see intergenerational life skill transfer” said Dr Rob.
The bottom line
A healthy eating workplace is of benefit to everyone. Not only does it improve the health of the team and productivity, it also contributes to a workplace environment people want to be part of.
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Reviewed by the Healthylife Advisory Board March 2025
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional.
About this article
Simone Austin
Simone Austin is an Advanced Sports Dietitian, author of Eat Like An Athlete and past President of Sports Dietitians Australia. She has worked with some of Australia’s top sports teams over her 25+ year career.