Nutrition and Physical Activity

Supporting healthy lifestyles is key to employee wellbeing. This standard outlines how organisations can encourage and promote better nutrition and regular physical activity. It includes initiatives to educate employees on healthy food choices and provide opportunities for physical activity, helping to create a more energised, healthier workforce.

Assessors will be looking at the various measures in place to promote, encourage and support employees to eat healthily, make better food choices and engage in regular physical activity.

There are three performance levels for each of the standards within the KeepWell Mark: Commitment, Achievement, and Excellence. To be accredited with the KeepWell Mark, the commitment level will need to be met for all 8 pillars. Once a company reaches commitment level, they can work towards reaching a higher level at their own pace and with guidance from our team of experts.

Commitment level

For companies that are starting out, the commitment level can act as a useful checklist to ensure legal obligations are met. There are seven standards that need to be met to obtain the commitment level for nutrition and physical activity. The topic guide that members receive gives insights and recommendations to assist in achieving this. An example of a standard and the required evidence can be seen below.

Standard: The minimum legally required breaks are taken by all staff, and staff are actively encouraged to take regular breaks.

Evidence: Employees are encouraged to take breaks in compliance with the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997. Employees are aware as to when they can take breaks. Employees are aware of the need to take regular breaks following repetitive tasks. Employees take breaks away from their desk. Employees working from home/remote/on the road are reminded of the importance of taking adequate breaks from work throughout the day. Evidence may include work schedules including details of individual’s breaks.

Achievement level

Having put the buildings blocks in place, companies that meet a further five standards can reach the achievement level.

Standard: Any on-site catering facilities provide healthier options that are actively promoted and clearly labelled.

Evidence: The organisation provides healthy options that are the same price or discounted if possible. These are promoted daily, on site through various formats. Employees are aware that healthy options are available. The employer knows what the healthy options are and labels them as such, i.e. healthy options are lower in salt, added sugar and saturated fat, they are not deep fried. Fresh fruit/vegetables/salad is available. A daily vegetarian option free of meat, featuring plant-based protein sources should be offered for individuals with specific dietary preferences or restrictions. Menu labelling to inform employees on calories or traffic light labelling.

Excellence level

To continue to build workplace wellbeing and by meeting an additional five standards, a company can work towards the excellence level, the highest achievement possible.

Standard: There is a schedule of planned events to promote the importance of physical activity, for on-site, hybrid, and at home employees.

Evidence: The organisation has implemented campaigns to promote the importance of physical activity. Employees have attended these campaigns. Campaigns should be provided by or developed in consultation with appropriate accredited bodies or appropriate registered professionals. For the annual calendar, each month should have a different theme (informed by employees) with planned interesting events, accessible resources and should be regularly promoted so all employees have the opportunity to attend/access. The calendar should be reviewed and updated annually to reflect the changing and flexible work environment i.e. webinars vs. on-site Masterclass.

The Next Steps

The KeepWell Mark is the benchmark for national standards of workplace wellbeing in Ireland and the standards, guidance and resources to support understanding and implementation of these standards.

Benchmark your organisation by taking our free mini assessment or contact us to receive more information.