Vending machines: increasing waistlines,
decreasing productivity?
Healthier Workplace WA is asking WA building
and construction industry workplaces to
re-think or consider healthy alternatives for
vending machines which could be having
an adverse impact on workers’ health
and productivity.
Heart Foundation WA dietitian Nick Nation
says vending machine food is often high in
energy, saturated fat, sugar and salt. When
eaten regularly, these types of foods can
contribute to the development of chronic
disease such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease
and some cancers.
“Having a variety of healthy snack options on
hand for the inevitable work disruption will
ensure you don’t fall victim to local takeaways,
or the unhealthy vending machine calling your
name,” Mr Nation said. “More than 60 per cent
of West Australian adults are overweight or
obese with approximately only half consuming
enough fruit and only one in ten consuming
enough vegetables each day.”Workplaces that provide supportive
environments, including basic food prep areas
and consideration of healthier food and drink
within the workplace, see benefi ts for their staff
and for business.The introduction of healthier options can be
a gradual change or swift, depending on the
nature of the workplace, the vending machine
contract, the relationship with suppliers and
workers’ willingness to trial new products.Healthier Workplace WA’s free Healthier
Vending Machines Guide highlights changes
that can make a big difference including:- Opting for smaller package sizes.
- Dedicating a ‘tray’ in the vending machine to
healthier options. - Negotiating a trial period for new products.
- Pricing healthier options competitively.
- Promoting healthier options and letting
employees know why changes are
being made and the benefi ts of making
healthier choices.
Healthy workers are up to 29 per cent more
productive, can take up to 21 per cent fewer
sick days per year and are more likely to be
engaged with their work.Download the Healthier Vending Machines
Guide at http://www.healthierworkplacewa.com.au
or contact an advisor on 1300 550 271 to learn
more on revamping your workplace vending
machine. Healthier Workplace WA provides free
support, tools and resources
for WA workplaces to develop and
implement health and wellbeing initiatives
in the workplace.Now available in WA
for the first time
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