Nutrition and physical activity at work

Healthy eating and regular physical activity support good health, wellbeing and a productive workforce. Workplaces can help by making healthy choices easier for staff, visitors and contractors.

With rising rates of obesity and related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, it is important that workplaces provide environments that support good health.

On this page

Healthy food and drink at work

Workplaces are encouraged to adopt the National Food and Drink Policy, which supports healthier food and drink choices and aligns with the Eating and Activity Guidelines for New Zealand Adults.

National food and drink policyexternal link

Healthy food and drink choices include:

  • plenty of vegetables and fruit
  • mostly wholegrain and high-fibre foods
  • low-fat or reduced-fat milk and milk products
  • legumes, nuts, seeds, fish, eggs, poultry and lean meats
  • foods that are less processed, low in salt, sugar and saturated fat

Plain water should be the first choice of drink.

Physical activity at work

Staff are encouraged to be active where they can, including when travelling to and from work and during the workday.

Active travel

Staff who walk or cycle to work, even for part of the journey:

  • take fewer sick days
  • tend to have better overall health
  • are more likely to arrive on time
  • are often more alert at work
  • report higher job satisfaction.

Where possible, workplaces should:

  • promote and encourage active travel
  • provide changing and shower facilities
  • provide lockers and drying facilities for clothing
  • provide sufficient secure bike parking.

Physical activity during the workday

Being active at work supports better health, energy levels, self-esteem and productivity. Research also shows links between an active workforce and reduced absenteeism, lower staff turnover and cost savings for organisations.

Staff should be encouraged to reduce long periods of sitting. Sitting at a computer for long periods without breaks, is linked to long-term health conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Workplaces can support activity by encouraging staff to:

  • use stairs instead of lifts, with clear signage and accessible, well-lit stairwells
  • stand up, stretch regularly and stand when taking phone calls
  • stand during meetings or use standing tables where available
  • walk to meetings in nearby buildings instead of using vehicles where possible
  • walk to colleagues rather than calling or emailing
  • take short activity breaks, including 5 minute breaks during long meetings
  • use chair-based exercises where appropriate
  • avoid scheduling meetings over the lunch period (12 to 2pm)
  • take part in sports teams, walking or jogging groups, and events such as Walk2Work Day and Bike to Work Day.

Physical activity — WorkWellexternal link