Workplace dietary programs that influence employees across multiple levels and make healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, low-fat, low-calorie, low-sodium and high nutrient foods the easy choice are shown to be the most effective.
Environmental and policy changes provide a low cost option that enable healthy eating options for everyone, not just those who enroll or agree to participate. Examples at this level include point-of-decision labeling, reduced pricing, informational messages, and healthier food options in the cafeteria, vending machines, meetings or at events.
At the organizational level, management should support programs that account for how the work environment and work practices like work schedules, work load, job strain and job stress affect their employee’s dietary habits. In addition, when senior management participates in programs and model healthy behaviors themselves, workers will more likely be engaged.
Involving employees in planning and implementing programs helps strengthen the social environment and promotes positive peer support among co-workers. Workers benefit from positive support from their families too, particularly spouses and children, who can have a big influence on their food choices. By including family members in programs and activities, employees will more likely achieve their weight loss or weight management goals.
Some workers will need more individualized support, especially those who spend their workdays away from the workplace, like truck drivers or police officers. Approaches at the individual level could include biometric screenings and/or Health Risk Assessments (HRAs) along with personal counseling or coaching by someone with skills in motivational interviewing. Tailored and targeted informational messages in the form of print materials or emails and educational opportunities are additional methods.
Weight-loss and weight management programs that are multi-level and focus on multiple health behaviors, particularly both nutrition and physical activity together, have shown to be the most effective. For ideas on incorporating more physical activity and moving more during the workday to complement health dietary programs, click here.
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