A healthy workspace
What do you think makes a healthy workplace?
What do you think makes a healthy workplace? Are there things at your workplace that you think are good or bad for your general health?
If you are an employer, what steps do you take to create a healthy workplace for your employees?
The discussion ran from 10 May 2018 - 05 July 2018
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Community Member 5 years agoI have worked in offices that are terribly unhealthy, they are cramped, dark and dirty with uncomfortable office furniture that is bad for posture and also being forced to use a computer without having a break which is bad for eyesight. I...
Show full commentI have worked in offices that are terribly unhealthy, they are cramped, dark and dirty with uncomfortable office furniture that is bad for posture and also being forced to use a computer without having a break which is bad for eyesight. I ended up with a bad back and poor vision, and pain in my wrists from being given too much typing. I reported one of the offices to the Health and Safety Committee at the local council but to no avail. They seemed to think it was OK.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years agoThere is too much packaged food available in too much plastic.
Lunch places and coffee places dish out plastic cutlery, plastic bottles, bags whether you want it or not.
Its ok to refuse a bag.
Let's do everything possible to promote...
Show full commentThere is too much packaged food available in too much plastic.
Lunch places and coffee places dish out plastic cutlery, plastic bottles, bags whether you want it or not.
Its ok to refuse a bag.
Let's do everything possible to promote unpackaged fresh food.
Incentivise people to use keep-cups, water bottles, cutlery and own bags
Show less of commentTalk London
Official Representative 5 years agoThanks everyone for sharing your views. Some of you have mentioned gyms and other health initiatives at work.
Many employers offer benefits or activities to encourage good health, like discounted gym memberships, sports clubs, dietary advice or other activities. Do you take part in these?
If so, what do you think of them? If they're not currently provided, would you take part if they were?
Talk London
kngilmore
Community Member 5 years agoWhat makes a healthy workplace: a helpful, productivity-focussed atmosphere where people aren't pressured to work beyond the hours they're paid to. Good natural lighting, healthy, affordable and varied food available in the canteen or...
Show full commentWhat makes a healthy workplace: a helpful, productivity-focussed atmosphere where people aren't pressured to work beyond the hours they're paid to. Good natural lighting, healthy, affordable and varied food available in the canteen or nearby, opportunities to get up and move, and an expectation that you don't eat al desko but rather leave the building and truly take some personal time.
Things at my workplace that are good for my health: great people who genuinely want the work to go well. Things at my workplace that are bad for my health: weak dust extraction, high pressure with little time, lots of awkward lifting and carrying, dingy fluorescent lighting, and pretty much every new policy HR comes up with.
Show less of commentHelen Hook
Community Member 5 years agoA healthy workplace is one with good light & a comfortable temperature to work in. Ergonomic furniture. A dedicated workplace. A comfortable work space, not too crowded against colleagues. Employee Assistance Programme for health, including...
Show full commentA healthy workplace is one with good light & a comfortable temperature to work in. Ergonomic furniture. A dedicated workplace. A comfortable work space, not too crowded against colleagues. Employee Assistance Programme for health, including mental support advice + counselling services. In-house gym. Desk massage facility, or a roaming massage service. On-site canteen with a range of healthy eating options, staff input to the menu. Kitchen points for staff to store/prepare own food. Local food outlets with a good range of healthy eating options. Quiet rooms. A faith room. Showers for cyclist & runners to use before going to their desks. Bike racks. Bike-buying scheme. A HUGE bonus would be an on-site swimming pool.
Bad for your health is the reverse, or lack, of all of the above.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years agoMeal deal options are affordable for a lot of people but not necessarily the healthiest choices. Include more and better fruit portions. There are more healthy options to choose but people are responsible for their own health even if you...
Show full commentMeal deal options are affordable for a lot of people but not necessarily the healthiest choices. Include more and better fruit portions. There are more healthy options to choose but people are responsible for their own health even if you make it easier for them. I bring in my own lunch, fruit, yoghurts and usually cup soups. I make salad boxes but tend to add too many additional extras which reduce the benefits. My working conditions are poor due to being in an old Victoria hospital building, not very clean, not enough air/light.
Show less of commentcharliemh
Community Member 5 years agoI cycle to work and get so much pleasure from this simple commute. Having dedicated, secure bicycle parking capacity, showers, changing rooms and locker rooms to enable as many employees as possible to lead a healthy lifestyle is my number...
Show full commentI cycle to work and get so much pleasure from this simple commute. Having dedicated, secure bicycle parking capacity, showers, changing rooms and locker rooms to enable as many employees as possible to lead a healthy lifestyle is my number one priority.
Inclusive culture to encourage employees to try fitness: Even just a lunchtime walking group. Support each other in charity runs etc.
Suitable and social dining area for employees to re-heat home made healthy food rather than having to eat out at local shops.
Monthly campaigns to increase awareness health and mental well-being and what individuals can do to eat healthier/ more sustainably and feel healthier.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years agoMy workplace has made adjustable desks available in a selection of spaces, so that people are able to stand whilst working if they wish to do so - i think this contributes to a healthy working environment. We also have mixed and food...
Show full commentMy workplace has made adjustable desks available in a selection of spaces, so that people are able to stand whilst working if they wish to do so - i think this contributes to a healthy working environment. We also have mixed and food recycling facilities that are regularly emptied durig the day asnd areas for eating lunch/tea breaks to encourage staff to move away from their desks.
Show less of commentstephenodonnell
Community Member 5 years agoFruit, water, means of cooking, freezer and fridge, kettle. All essential
Lachesis
Community Member 5 years agoMany companies, and their staff, are failing to appreciate the importance of proper breaks for body and mind wellbeing. Taking lunch at the desk is a productivity killer and can contribute to longer term health issues. Sadly this practice...
Show full commentMany companies, and their staff, are failing to appreciate the importance of proper breaks for body and mind wellbeing. Taking lunch at the desk is a productivity killer and can contribute to longer term health issues. Sadly this practice has become a norm for many. (http://uk.businessinsider.com/what-unsuccessful-people-do-during-their-…). There should be an evaluation of postive/negative factors and subsequent educational campaign both for companies and staff.
Also needs to be an investigation into the impact of food additives including so called healthy options. It is shocking to see the increasing levels of obesity, especially of those in their 20's/30's.
snowball
Community Member 5 years agoStaff restaurants should be run without profit profit profit being the motive- subsidising healthy meals would lead to a healthier work force
Anonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years agoIt would be nice if bosses weren't so hard on sick staff if they keep their germs at home for the day.
BekiJM
Community Member 5 years agoLack of staff rooms is a concern as everyone ends up eating at their desk. Difficult to take a break away from desk although it would better if we all did.
Natural light is better for all of us and luckily my floor has huge windows but...
Show full commentLack of staff rooms is a concern as everyone ends up eating at their desk. Difficult to take a break away from desk although it would better if we all did.
Natural light is better for all of us and luckily my floor has huge windows but some flick on lights even when perfectly bright indoors.
I wish we could break the cake cycle too. I get fed up having to refuse all the time (for health reasons) so wish we could occasionally have something low/no sugar or savoury!
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years agoI had a boss who insisted we all eat cake so she could appease her own conscience about her own bad diet.
Anonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years agoIndoor air quality is really important to workers' health and productivity. There should be an onus on organisations above a certain size to monitor air quality and to ensure that there is healthy air for people to breathe. Natural forms of...
Show full commentIndoor air quality is really important to workers' health and productivity. There should be an onus on organisations above a certain size to monitor air quality and to ensure that there is healthy air for people to breathe. Natural forms of ventilation should be used where possible e.g. open a window, or use passive ventilation systems and heat exchange to stop energy being lost. All office blocks shoule sign up the Well Building standards.
Show less of commentTalk London
Official Representative 5 years agoThanks everyone for taking part in this discussion.
How about those who work unusual hours (for example shift workers or night-time workers)? What do your mealtimes look like? How easy, or difficult, is it to find the food you want during your working hours?
Talk London
Anonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years agoDrawback of 24-hour London = more night work = greater risk of health problems. Mayor should consider this when making policy.
Cookie58
Community Member 5 years agoHealthy workplaces are about more than food and drink/cooking etc. It also includes, as others have said, places where people are not afraid to challenge and express opinions, where they feel they have a voice.
My workplace is excellent...
Show full commentHealthy workplaces are about more than food and drink/cooking etc. It also includes, as others have said, places where people are not afraid to challenge and express opinions, where they feel they have a voice.
My workplace is excellent; although i bring my own food in (saving masses of cash), there is a good canteen, with hot meals, salads, sandwiches and snacks (including fruit for those who eat it). We have a gym (small but free) and showers/changing facilities. the offices are a pleasant temperature and there is plenty of light. Lucky me!
There is always plenty of cake and biscuits; these are brought in by staff and the world would be a sadder, duller place without it! all things in moderation (and some of us can't eat fruit so don't be so quick to judge!)
Show less of commentCookie58
Community Member 5 years agoSo many people complaining about their work canteen, or local supermarkets, but what is wrong with bringing your own lunch? It doesn't take time (I generally make mine in under 5 mins before i go to bed, as does my partner). Easy, cheap...
Show full commentSo many people complaining about their work canteen, or local supermarkets, but what is wrong with bringing your own lunch? It doesn't take time (I generally make mine in under 5 mins before i go to bed, as does my partner). Easy, cheap, healthy as you want it to be. I really don't understand why everyone is so reliant on buying their lunch out. Do you go to the supermarket at weekends? Stock up on the stuff you need; who needs to spend their lunchtimes queuing at shops or canteens every da
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years ago"Oh, I don't have time to place a slice of cheese between two pieces of bread, but I can spend all day searching for my tofu and quinoa at the mile-wide superstore." Funny, isn't it?
If you're too lazy to make a sandwich, bring a bag of...
Show full comment"Oh, I don't have time to place a slice of cheese between two pieces of bread, but I can spend all day searching for my tofu and quinoa at the mile-wide superstore." Funny, isn't it?
If you're too lazy to make a sandwich, bring a bag of nuts, a bag of fruit and a bag of carrots. Wash the fruit/veg at work.
Show less of commentConcerned1
Community Member 5 years agoHealthy workplace is one that has a no blame culture. Is one where managers are unable to bully their staff or shout at staff. Is one where CEO is involved and does not spend the day dreaming of when can get back to Thailand. Is one where...
Show full commentHealthy workplace is one that has a no blame culture. Is one where managers are unable to bully their staff or shout at staff. Is one where CEO is involved and does not spend the day dreaming of when can get back to Thailand. Is one where staff can talk about the good and bad that is happening in the office/irganisatior. Is one where people feel heard and involved. Is one where people work together. Food plays a small part in a healthy workplace.
Show less of commentYetty
Community Member 5 years agoWhat makes a healthy workplace in my opinion is a workplace that is free of bullying and intimidation. Where people can leave the building and go outside and have some good fresh air. A place to sit/stand and have a good home made lunch ...
Show full commentWhat makes a healthy workplace in my opinion is a workplace that is free of bullying and intimidation. Where people can leave the building and go outside and have some good fresh air. A place to sit/stand and have a good home made lunch
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years agoYES
Suzanna
Community Member 5 years agoOf course staff canteens can provide a selection of healthy food inc vegetarian and vegan but there has to be a limit, there will always be folk who want what they dont have and the employer shouldn't be resonsible for catering for every...
Show full commentOf course staff canteens can provide a selection of healthy food inc vegetarian and vegan but there has to be a limit, there will always be folk who want what they dont have and the employer shouldn't be resonsible for catering for every single need and whim. Whatever happened to people making their own packed lunch ? They can make exactly what they want to eat. Short time to prepare, no need to waste time going out to the shop or queueing in the canteen, no (plastic) packaging and quite a big saving over the year. Its nice to have a choice but give people too much choice and it will never be enough.
Show less of commentCookie58
Community Member 5 years agoExactly
Anonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years agoYes, there seem to be many folk on here ready to blame their boss for the state of their health.
I think canteens should be offering a healthy menu. But no, not catering to every whim. If you want to nit pick, take your daily walk and...
Show full commentYes, there seem to be many folk on here ready to blame their boss for the state of their health.
I think canteens should be offering a healthy menu. But no, not catering to every whim. If you want to nit pick, take your daily walk and buy your own food.
Show less of comment