With over half of the world’s population spending a significant portion of their lives at work, the need for workplace-driven nutrition initiatives has never been clearer. The Access to Nutrition Initiative’s Global Index 2024 highlights notable progress in workforce nutrition efforts globally, particularly by the top food manufacturers. Yet, there remains significant potential for more companies to step up and experience the tangible benefits these programmes can offer.
Why invest in workforce nutrition?
Comprehensive workforce nutrition programmes are more than a perk – they’re a proven investment in the health and productivity of the workforce. According to the World Health Organization, workplace nutrition programmes are essential to combating malnutrition at scale, with evidence showing a 6:1 return on investment for companies through increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, and improved workplace safety. These benefits don’t just enhance employee well-being; they also strengthen companies’ competitive edge.
Progress in 2024 according to ATNI’s Global Index 2024 :
- Employee support on the rise: In the past three years, the percentage of companies providing nutrition support for employees has risen from 60% to over 80%, with over 80% now offering dedicated support for breastfeeding mothers, an increase from 72% in 2021.
- Healthy food options: Many companies have started offering healthy food options in the workplace, with nine actively integrating nutritious meals and snacks into their programmes across multiple markets. This not only helps employees make healthier choices but also signals a commitment to a supportive work environment.
- Supply chain: Forward-thinking companies like Danone, Mars, PepsiCo and Unilever are extending nutrition support to workers in at-risk supply chains, from farmers in cocoa fields to agricultural labourers. These companies are front runners and many more have to follow.
WNA’s call to action: Join the movement for a healthier more productive workforce
The Workforce Nutrition Alliance offers a range of tools to support your journey toward a comprehensive workforce nutrition programme:
- Start with self-assessment: Use our self-assessment scorecard to understand where your company currently stands.
- Leverage resources: Access our guidebooks, case studies, and expert-led Masterclasses to design and implement nutrition programmes tailored to your organisation’s needs.
- Set goals and measure impact: Define measurable targets across the four workforce nutrition pillars to track your progress, maximize impact, and ensure lasting benefits for employees and your company alike.
Building on progress: A path to lasting change
The successes achieved by industry leaders are a starting point, but true impact will come when all companies commit to these changes. Those with established programmes continue to see value, and for others, this is an opportunity to catch up and make a meaningful difference in both employee and company well-being.