Non-desk / off-site / field team workers, whether in healthcare, retail, logistics, emergency services, or manufacturing, often work long hours, in high-stress environments, with limited access to healthy meals or regular breaks.
They’re also the ones least likely to benefit from workplace wellbeing initiatives.
Here’s how People Officers and wellbeing teams can help ensure health & wellbeing information reaches them.
Why the fuelling struggle is real
- Unpredictable Schedules: On the road, rotating shifts and long hours make meal planning and regular eating patterns difficult.
- Limited Food Access: Break room vending machines, convenience stores, or fast-food chains often become the default options.
- Lack of Information: Many workplace nutrition programs are designed for desk workers and shared through email, intranet, or lunch-and-learn sessions.
The biggest hurdle isn’t creating the right content; it’s getting it into the hands of the people who need it most. Here’s how you can:
Make Nutrition Education Simple & Accessible
✅ Use bite-sized information in posters, bulletins, and digital displays in break rooms.
✅ Create short, engaging videos about quick meal prep, healthy swaps, hydration, and sleep.
✅ Offer access to an employee wellness portal with easy-to-read articles & videos.
Tip: Use infographics for easy visual learning—e.g., “Best Snacks for Energy on the Job. Best Foods for Long Shifts”
Organise Health Talks & Workshops
✅ Provide grab-and-go healthy snack stations (nuts, fruit, protein bars).
✅ Place hydration stations with reminders about water intake.
✅ Organise monthly quick 5-minute “Lunch & Learn” sessions with nutritionists.
Tip: Make it interactive—allow staff to submit health questions anonymously before sessions!
Create a Peer Support & Engagement System
✅ Organise healthy team challenges (e.g. “Swap Soft Drinks for Water Week”).
✅ Encourage staff to share recipes & meal prep tips in group chats.
Address Barrier & Misinformation
✅ Provide nutrition guides for shift workers (e.g., “Eating Well on Night Shifts”).
✅ Debunk myths (e.g., “Carbs aren’t bad, but processed foods are!”).
✅ Offer budget-friendly meal tips for cost-conscious staff.
Tip: Host an interactive Q&A session with a Nutritionist to clear up common nutrition myths!
Improve Access to Preventive Healthcare
✅ Offer on-site health screenings (blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol checks).
✅ Provide first-aid & CPR training to boost emergency preparedness.
✅ Educate about preventive care (vaccines, dental checkups, eye tests, etc.).
In summary
Good nutrition is a foundation for energy, focus, and resilience. By making tips practical and communication channels accessible, organisations can bridge the gap.
Share this post with your wellbeing team, or use it as a conversation starter at your next team meeting.
Contact us about Power Up Your Shift webinar, which includes practical examples for non-desk / off-site / field workers, and the recording can also be viewed by colleagues on demand.
