A healthy workspace

What 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.

A 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.

I 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. 

Many 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. 

Lack 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!

Healthy 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!)

So 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

Healthy 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.

What 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   

Of 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.