The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has developed a new toolkit designed for businesses to promote healthier lifestyles to staff.

The FDF’s Workplace Wellbeing guide, which was launched at Coca-Cola’s head office in Hammersmith last week, contains the latest government guidance and general tips for promoting healthy choices, physical exercise, and information on occupational health.

Case studies from food manufacturers are also featured in the booklet, including United Biscuits, Warburtons, Macphie and Border Biscuits.

Barbara Gallani, director of food safety and science at FDF, said: “Under the Public Health Responsibility Deal, FDF and many of its members pledged to take action to improve public health. In many cases this included a commitment to improve employee health. The food industry has long known the importance of looking after its greatest asset, its people. With this resource we hope to be an exemplar for other sectors.”

Dame Carol Black, expert adviser on health at work at the Department of Health, said: “There is a wealth of evidence that shows having a healthy, engaged workforce brings clear benefits – for employees and businesses alike – with improved quality and productivity. Government alone cannot tackle the major public health problems this country is facing. The food and drink industry has a strong track record on workplace wellbeing, with many of FDF’s members having already signed up to the Public Health Responsibility Deal. There is excellent work going on and we need to keep building momentum.”

The FDF Workplace Wellbeing guide can be downloaded here: https://www.fdf.org.uk/publicgeneral/Workplace%20Wellbeing%20doc_13.pdf