The 12-week programme, Passport to Health, has the potential to have a positive impact on dietary behaviour, perceived health, weight management and physical exercise. This comes in light of recent Government data that finds 131 million working days were lost in 2013 due to employee sickness or injury.
Following the programme, a report has now been published and the findings suggest that workplace interventions can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing, especially if they offer a holistic approach to diet and physical activity. It details that the programme could be repeated in other settings. It is now being developed further at Gatwick Airport.
Caroline Fry, CEO of Charlton House (right) said: “These findings present a fantastic opportunity for employers everywhere. There are two keys trends indicating we can play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of employees: firstly the number of meals eaten outside the home is continuing to rise and secondly issues such as weight management remain at the top of the nation’s health agenda.
“Everyone benefits from any successes we enjoy: improved health and wellbeing in employees is proven to reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, mood and self-esteem within the workforce. We are constantly striving for innovate ways to reduce salt, fat, calories and to provide a healthy, nutritious menu which is a contributing factor to a healthier individuals and for the overall workforce.”
Independent nutritionist and co-author of the report, Amanda Ursell said: "This project shows what, and how, we eat at work, coupled with support and guidance from employers, could significantly reduce the size, health and wellbeing of our workforce. As the trend to eat out of home continues, this research shows a workplace intervention programme that offers a holistic approach to diet and physical exercise can positively influence an employee’s approach to health and aid their personal wellbeing.”
Grant Payne at Gatwick Airport Ltd said: “We are delighted this project supports the efforts of workplace interventions like our ‘Passport to Health’ programme and the positive impact they have on the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to developing our intervention programmes in partnership with our caterers Charlton House to ensure our employees continue to benefit.”
Future developments for Passport to Health will focus more on physical activity and will further develop tie-ins with catering, such as branding healthier meal choices as Passport to Health approved. The programme was funded by Gatwick Airport while the British Egg Industry Council funded the audit. Charlton House is a brand within the CH&Co group, specialising in providing staff catering services.