What we eat doesn’t just impact our health—it influences how we feel, think, and perform every single day. With many of us consuming up to a third of our daily calories while at work, the workplace plays a vital role in shaping our eating habits and overall wellbeing.
In particular, shift workers are at higher risk of malnutirition. In the UK, around 4 million people are shift workers, and research shows they’re more likely to develop chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes. One key factor? Nutrition. Poor eating habits at work can lead to malnutrition—whether it’s not getting enough essential nutrients or consuming too much of the wrong kinds of food. Both undernutrition and overnutrition can increase the risk of long-term health issues, including heart disease and diabetes.
By promoting balanced, nutritious choices in the workplace, we can help people feel better, stay healthier, and perform at their best—no matter their role or schedule.
Why it matters
A balanced diet at work can:
- Boost energy, focus, and creativity
- Improve mood and reduce stress
- Support better sleep and immunity
- Lower the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes
Symptoms of poor nutrition
Feeling tired, irritable, or struggling to concentrate? These could mean your diet needs a refresh.
- Too little nutrition can deprive your body of essential vitamins and minerals, weaken your immune system, and affect everything from energy to brain function and the ability to recover properly from illness.
- Too much or unbalanced nutrition—especially diets high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats—can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and day-to-day issues like join pain and mental health.