WORKFORCE NUTRITION ALLIANCE - CASE STUDY BOOKLET Working to bring access to and knowledge about healthy nutrition to over three million employees ...
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WORKFORCE NUTRITION ALLIANCE CASE STUDY BOOKLET Working to bring access to and knowledge about healthy nutrition to over three million employees in member organisations and supply chains by 2025 and over ten million by 2030.
2 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 3 Case Study Booklet
improved health and wellbeing of individuals,
their families and society at large.
This booklet is a collection of case studies
TABLE OF OUR THANK YOU that showcase the work and direction
CONTENTS MESSAGE
of organisations that have made public
commitments using the Nutrition Accountability
Framework. We explore what these companies
have done, the impact of their work and some
To quote our manifesto’s opening line, “Good
Our Thank You Message 3 of the challenges. It’s a great place to start if
nutrition is a key driver for both healthy lives
you are looking to do the right thing for workers
About Workforce Nutrition and healthy businesses – and to create a better
4 across your offices and throughout your supply
world”. This belief is the foundation on which the
chains, and for your company!
Workforce Nutrition Alliance was built, and it is a
2021 in Review 6
belief that continues to guide us today.
Looking ahead, we are calling on more
Why It Matters 7 organisations to join this movement. In return,
Over the last 12 months, we have seen more
we will continue to provide you with the tools
Case Studies companies join us on our journey, a journey
and knowledge needed for employers like you
focused on enhancing workforce nutrition
to use in assessing your current workforce
• Ajinomoto 8 programmes and cementing this action through
nutrition programme, planning your programme
• Eat Well Global 14 a positive commitment to improve workforce
enhancements, and implementing your
• Google 18 nutrition at work. This work was brought even
enhanced programmes.
• Griffith Foods 24 further into the fore at the Nutrition for Growth
• Indofood 28 Summit in Tokyo at the end of 2021, where
Thank you to all the organisations who have
• Kao 34 workforce nutrition was identified as a win-
supported us over the last 12 months, and we
• ofi 40 win-win – benefiting people, businesses and
look forward to continuing our collaboration
• Olam 46 economies.
and helping to make workforce nutrition for all a
• Quorn Foods 54 basic standard.
• Royal DSM 60 This was a proud moment for us, as our Alliance,
• Unilever 66 built on the backdrop of the UN’s Decade of
Action for Nutrition, supports the Nutrition for
Growth framework calling for much-needed
About Company Commitments 70 action on policy and financing commitments
related to the UN Sustainable Development
About CGF and GAIN 71 Goals (SDGs).
We believe the “business case” for change is
Wai-Chan Chan Lawrence Haddad
strong. With workers spending, on average, one Managing Director Executive Director
third of their lives at work, the workplace is an The Consumer Global Alliance for
Goods Forum Improved Nutrition
optimal point of intervention to contribute to (CGF) (GAIN)
4 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 5 Case Study Booklet
ABOUT THE
WORKFORCE
NUTRITION
ALLIANCE
Advocate
The Workforce Nutrition Alliance (WNA) was We advocate for the benefits of workforce nutrition
launched by The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) programmes to improve the livelihoods of millions of
and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition people worldwide.
(GAIN) in 2019 to bring access to and knowledge
about healthy nutrition to millions of employees ? Support
in member organisations and supply chains.
We support you to assess your workforce nutrition
The WNA is a trusted and credible framework
programme, develop an enhancement plan and
enabling employers to implement workforce
implement your new programme.
nutrition programmes for employees and
indirect workers. Its framework and tools are
also recognised by international benchmarks, Monitor
such as WBA and ATNI, for guiding employers’ We monitor progress in creating successful workforce
contributions to achieving the SDGs nutrition programmes that support global nutrition
goals.
The Alliance’s aim is to support employers
to adopt and expand workforce nutrition
programmes to positively impact over three The Alliance is built on a core foundation of strong values and
million employees in member organisations and a culture of cooperation. This enables us, together with our
supply chains by 2025 and over ten million by technical partners and our signatories, to leverage the workplace
2030. as a mechanism to bring healthy nutrition to millions of people
worldwide. Read our manifesto to better understand what drives us,
We make this impact by focusing on these three and then take the step to take part.
goals:
It’s about doing the right thing for workers · Healthier workforces –
across your offices and throughout your better productivity
· Less turnover, more loyalty
supply chain, and for your company!
6 · Positive ripple effect across 7
Workforce Nutrition Alliance families/society at large Case Study Booklet
Globally, 1 in 9 people is The journey towards implementation
2021 IN WHY
of an effective and impactful
undernourished, and 1 in 3 people
workforce nutrition programme starts
As employers, business leaders, experts in
is overweight or obese, bringing
significant losses to individuals, with a self-assessment scorecard. the field of nutrition and advocates for the
REVIEW IT MATTERS
households, economies and
Sustainable Development Goals, we realise
businesses due to malnutrition.
that by working together, we can create
healthy workforce nutrition programmes
that benefit employees and employers
Our work enhancing workforce nutrition focuses on four pillars: Globally, one in nine people is alike - to create a better world for everyone,
Healthy food at work Nutrition education Nutrition health checks Breastfeeding support undernourished, and one in three people everywhere there is a workplace.
is overweight or obese, bringing significant
losses to individuals, households, economies As such, we know the workplace is an
and businesses due to malnutrition. optimal point of intervention to contribute
SUCCESSES to improved health and wellbeing of
We also know that most of us will spend one- individuals, their families and society at
third of our adult lives at work. By leveraging large. By working on this, data shows us
the workplace as a connector to people, we that healthier workforces equal better
5,581,148
can bring access to and knowledge about productivity and they generate less turnover,
employees and workers along
the supply chain potentially reached healthy nutrition to millions of people around but greater loyalty. Not to mention, there is
through company commitments
the globe through workforce nutrition. the positive ripple effect across families and
society at large.
The companies who have provided case
21 organisations part of the 1st technical
support programme, reaching
30 000 employees across 9 countries
10 companies have made
public commitments on
workforce nutrition
studies for this booklet understand why it
matters, and have made commitments on
workforce nutrition; made at the Nutrition for
Accessed scorecard: Growth Summit in Japan in December 2021.
Results against these will be tracked via the
38 115 30
Global Nutrition Report.
companies offices or worksites countries
58% of
the global
17% 48% 29% 6% population will
Beginner Bronze Silver Gold
spend at least
1/3 of their adult
WNA MESSAGING SHARED THROUGH REACHING
lives at work.
Our Stakeholder Eco-System, via online Investors / Governments /
and face-to-face activities, with the Aim of: Companies / Industry
8 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 9 Case Study Booklet
We know that what is good
AJINOMOTO for employees is good for
the company, and employee
GROUP engagement – employee
CASE STUDY passion – and business
performance are strongly
correlated. None of this
can be achieved without
programmes that prioritise
and support our employees’
mental and physical health,
and I look forward to
continuing to identify ways
these programmes can be
strengthened and expanded
for even greater impact.
To demonstrate the company’s commitment
to workforce nutrition and to help deliver on
its 2030 targets, the Ajinomoto Group has
joined the Workforce Nutrition Alliance. This
facilitates further opportunities to improve
workforce nutrition efforts through tools such Taro Fujie, President & CEO,
as the scorecard. Ajinomoto Group
10 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 11 Case Study Booklet
The Ajinomoto Group’s vision is to contribute
to greater wellness for people worldwide,
ups, and maternity leave. Second, the company
will provide multiple nutrition education
engagement and ultimately build an internal
culture that values nutrition and wellness.
LEARNING,
unlocking the power of amino acids to resolve sessions to each employee, totalling 100,000 THINKING & ACTING
the food and health issues associated with touchpoints by 2025. Therefore, it expects its workforce nutrition
dietary habits and aging. With this in mind, efforts will facilitate individual employees to The Ajinomoto Group’s goal is to help
the company is seeking to help extend the To demonstrate its commitment to workforce feel supported in their health and wellbeing, its employees improve their health and
healthy life expectancy of one billion people nutrition and to help deliver on its 2030 targets, which will enable them to produce more wellbeing – simply by the act of working at
by 2030. the Ajinomoto Group is proud to have joined positive results in their work and increase the Ajinomoto Group. They do this through
the Workforce Nutrition Alliance. This facilitates their job satisfaction and engagement. All of three steps: Learning, Thinking and Acting.
It recognises that employee health is the further opportunities to improve workforce this positively correlates with business results, Employees naturally become aware and learn
first element to realising this outcome. nutrition efforts through tools such as the creating both social and economic value. more about health issues to maintain healthy
While workplace nutrition is a goal across initiative’s scorecard. This self-assessment minds and bodies and foster a culture of
many industries, as a global food and health mechanism provides the company with As a result of the company’s workforce healthfulness. This “self-care” is additionally
company, the Ajinomoto Group believes it has visibility into its current situation, allowing it nutrition efforts thus far – which span healthy supported by company actions that are
a unique responsibility to improve the nutrition to understand where it is today and where it meals in the workplace, nutrition education, informed by employee feedback gathered
of its own employees as it works to make a wants to be in the future – ultimately making its health-focused seminars, annual health check- during ongoing meetings.
positive impact on society. workforce nutrition initiatives more sustainable. ups, and maternity leave – in the company’s
2021 employee engagement survey, 81% Some of the efforts initiated across the
In December 2021, the Ajinomoto Group of Ajinomoto Group employees said that company’s Japan headquarters and
developed its Commitment to Nutrition, the company provides an environment and throughout the Ajinomoto Group include
which supports the vision of the Nutrition for CONCRETE engages in measures to maintain and promote health-focused seminars on topics such as
Growth Summit 2021, hosted by the Japanese
government. Through this commitment, it has
BENEFITS health in consideration of employee mental
and physical health.
non-smoking and reducing sugar consumption
and a health advice app. The company also
set specific targets to contribute to nutrition provides 30-minute, annual consultations
Maintaining mental and physical health in
improvement by 2030. Among these targets with a health practitioner for all employees
our daily lives is the foundation for high
are two focused on promoting the nutrition at the Ajinomoto Group headquarters, with
performance in the workplace. Those at the
awareness and education of the company’s their individual health status easily accessible
Ajinomoto Group know that initiatives that
employees who form the foundation of its through an online system.
focus on employee mental and physical health
efforts to improve nutrition. First, the company
can improve motivation and productivity while
will help its employees improve and maintain
reducing absenteeism and presenteeism. The
their health by providing healthy meals in the
company also believes these initiatives provide
workplace, nutrition education, health check-
it with an opportunity to increase employee
“Having recently stepped into the role of CEO at the Ajinomoto Group, one of my first areas of focus is
corporate culture. Our culture must provide employees with the essence of happiness, the essence of
health, and the essence of excitement. In other words, it makes them passionate to come to work each
day. I would like employees to feel that ‘when I am with Ajinomoto Group, it makes me naturally excited,
naturally healthy, naturally happy’.”
Taro Fujie, President & CEO, Ajinomoto Group
12 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 13 Case Study Booklet
recognises the situation is different in each However, this can be a significant
In addition, the company has implemented
initiatives such as healthy lunches in its
CHALLENGES & market. And in most cases, there is a need undertaking, and it is difficult to know where
headquarters cafeteria and is expanding to OPPORTUNITIES to regionalise initiatives to take into account to start or what to prioritise. For this reason,
large affiliates overseas. It provides a healthy local cultures, needs and regulations. Trying the company is grateful to have the support
menu that allows employees to “self-care” in Like other global companies, Ajinomoto has to implement a one-size-fits-all programme of the Workforce Nutrition Alliance. The self-
a way that suits them. The meal options meet faced challenges in addressing workplace that does not consider these factors would assessment scorecard will help it visualise
a standard nutritional balance with a variety nutrition across all of the markets in which it limit its impact on employee mental and the current situation and understand where
of dishes that are both delicious and good for operates. physical health. to direct resources to achieve the company’s
you. Employees can then enter their lunch data workforce nutrition goals.
into an app on their smart phones to receive On one hand, there are universal initiatives And here the company sees the opportunity
advice on dietary content based on nutritional that the company can provide to its to leverage its global network for the It was recognised at the Nutrition for Growth
intake. employees regardless of geography. For betterment of all employees. What works in Summit that Japan’s Ministry of Economy,
example, currently the company is rolling one market might not be exactly replicable Trade and Industry’s health and productivity
The company is now working towards its out a nutrition literacy programme for all in another, but there are precedents and management and the Workforce Nutrition
goal of providing nutrition education to all employees throughout the Ajinomoto Group. learnings that can be translated across Alliance are aligned in the goal of investing
its employees by 2025. Last year, it created Understanding the basics of nutrition and what geographies. This is especially true for in employee health. There is an opportunity
a nutrition literacy programme and began comprises a healthy diet is universal. But the the Ajinomoto Group headquarters, where for Japanese companies to help create
rolling it out, first with employees in Japan, challenge is determining what can be the next initiatives can be trialled with employees at a synergies and amplify these public and
and has started introducing it to employees in overall target that works across geographies. large scale, and then provided to leaders in private sector efforts.
Ajinomoto Group companies around the world. Because on the other hand, Ajinomoto Group other markets for inspiration and guidance.
This focus on empowering regions at a
local level will allow the company to make a
difference in nutrition status of employees
across the world.
HOW TO PROGRESS
The Ajinomoto Group prioritised workforce
nutrition in recognition that employees
are the company’s most important
stakeholder. This is true for any business.
When employees are healthy and happy,
it boosts productivity. It is therefore vital
that companies provide programmes that
support employees’ mental and physical
health. There is no downside of investing in
your employees.
14 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 15 Case Study Booklet
EAT WELL
GLOBAL As a fully remote
CASE STUDY organisation, Eat Well
Global developed a
fun, creative solution
to offer healthy food
at work, while being
flexible, convenient
and tailored to our
team members’
unique local food
environment.
Eat Well Global is supporting its workforce,
who all work remotely around the world,
Erin Boyd-Kappelhof, Co-CEO,
with a home delivery service of fresh
Eat Well Global
produce.
16 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 17 Case Study Booklet
Eat Well Global is a highly-specialised
strategic communication consultancy on a
mission to empower global change agents
in food and nutrition. They employ a global
team of credentialled health professionals
who support their clients through 360⁰
insights, nutrition strategy planning, and
stakeholder engagement.
Eat Well Global’s main motivation in
developing a programme was to enable
healthy eating habits for their team
members. Operating on a remote business
model, with 100% of employees working
from home offices or local co-working
spaces, posed a unique challenge in
providing nourishing food at work. To tackle
this, Eat Well Global decided to offer their
core team members a regular home delivery
service of fresh produce. FINDING THE RIGHT MEET THE NEEDS OF
PARTNER YOUR EMPLOYEES
A GOOD START
Eat Well Global primarily faced logistical
Eat Well Global recommends being creative
Anecdotally, the programme launch was hurdles when developing the programme.
and tailoring your approach to employees’
well-received. Eat Well Global will measure The process of finding local vendors offering
needs. In Eat Well Global’s case, the
employee satisfaction by conducting an fresh produce, home deliveries, and full
majority of their employees have formal
annual survey. The organisation expects to control of delivery frequencies proved to
backgrounds in nutrition, which is why
see an improvement in self-reported eating be challenging. Eat Well Global sees an
developing education resources was not a
habits as a result of the programme. opportunity to collaborate with more vendors
priority. Instead, they focused on identifying
that emphasise impact, sustainability, and
a practical solution to make healthy eating
responsible business practices, such as
easily accessible for employees: delivering
fellow B-Corporations.
fresh and nourishing produce boxes to their
homes.
18 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 19 Case Study Booklet
GOOGLE
CASE STUDY
The Workforce Nutrition
Alliance has provided a
meaningful platform for us to
galvanise our efforts
around employee wellbeing.
We are motivated to use our
Global Workplace Programs
(Food, Health and
Performance, and
Sustainability) to optimise
the workplace experience of
our employees.
The mission of Food at Google (Google’s
workplace food programme) is to inspire
and enable the Google community to thrive
through food choices and experiences.
Google’s Global Workplace Programs team
recognised they had a unique opportunity
to make healthy and sustainable eating
accessible, easy and the default model for Michiel Bakker, VP, Global Programs,
workplace foodservice. Google20 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 21 Case Study Booklet
CONCRETE BENEFITS
The Food@Google mission is to inspire and
enable the Google community to thrive The Workforce Nutrition Alliance
through food choices and experiences. provides a fantastic framework
Google’s Global Workplace Programs team and platform to create team
recognised they had a unique opportunity alignment throughout an
to make healthy and sustainable eating organisation. In today’s workplace, CHALLENGES
accessible, easy and the default model it is often the case that disparate
for workplace foodservice. When Google teams work on workplace wellness
Google is working to overcome the
learned that the Workforce Nutrition and health. This “fragmented”
“isolation” of nutrition as a singular
Alliance was being formed to help drive approach can make it challenging
opportunity or issue that a workplace
more progress in this space, they jumped to create a cohesive and shared
employer might embrace. They like to think
at the chance to join forces with other like- approach to employee wellbeing.
of nutrition as a driving force for good and
minded organisations. Google believes that The WNA Scorecard provides a
ultimately a shared benefit to the topics
in order for the workplace to be a place robust way to coordinate a variety
of sustainability, employee engagement
where employees are the most productive, of team actions and it allows for
and retention, employee health and
better connected and most well cared for teams to work together toward
wellbeing and an opportunity to surprise
employees, the company must ensure its a common goal that supports
and delight their workforce. When working
food experiences support the health and internal team alignment. Google
collaboratively with its company leadership,
wellbeing of its people and our planet. is beginning to use the WNA
culinary talent, its sustainability leads, people
Scorecard to have constructive
operations teams, communications teams,
Google also believes deeply in the power conversations about what they
procurement teams and its foodservice
of collective action. The company notes want to achieve and how they
operations, the company finds greater
they find more success when organisations can work together to make more
success than when working in isolation.
come together as a powerful coalition progress.
to learn and share best practices and to As the company identifies a holistic and
adequately recognise the successes of relevant approach to transforming its food
their work. The culture of cooperation that system, they can join forces to:
is cultivated through the Alliance creates a
tremendous amount of good will and allows
• build deeper resilience to de-stabilising
for many experts to network and support climate shocks across Google’s
each other as members encourage deeper communities;
commitments to nutrition in the workplace.
• build replicable supply chains that ensure
accessible and affordable nutrition to
more people; and
• build delicious and nutritious options
across all food environments that inspire
consumer choice.22 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 23 Case Study Booklet
RECOMMENDATIONS
Senior Leadership Engagement: One of the Recognition: In addition, recognition of
biggest opportunities has been for Google’s successes inspires even greater action.
senior leadership to become more deeply If we can all work together to recognise
connected to its Workforce Nutrition Alliance the accomplishments of our peers, we can
announcement and commitments. Google motivate others to follow this work.
recommends that companies establish a
senior leader that can provide air cover and Google hopes to drive more thought
support for the deep and detailed work of leadership in the field of shifting diets
nutrition experts within a company. and act as a model for other foodservice
programmes. The Global Workplace
Programs team looks forward to finding
more synergies as it comes in contact with
other purpose-driven teams.24 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 25 Case Study Booklet
“At Griffith Foods, we’re
GRIFFITH working with our suppliers
FOODS and customers to make
food more nutritious and
CASE STUDY
sustainable. As we do,
we’re encouraging our
people to think through
how embracing healthier,
more nutritious foods
could enhance their
personal wellbeing—
and build a more vibrant
nutrition and innovation
culture across our
business.
Griffith Foods is committed to providing
nutrition education to their employees
and they have already seen an increased
interest in voluntary activities to support
nutrition and health, and a desire to learn Dave Bender, Global Vice President,
more amongst their employees. Research and Development, Griffith Foods26 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 27 Case Study Booklet
ONLINE LEARNING RECOMMENDATIONS
At Griffith Foods, they blend care and employees will be able to 1) incorporate
creativity to nourish the world. The company the knowledge into a healthier lifestyle, 2) Be sure to include your own employees
Griffith Foods’ employees have been offered
believes that providing nutrition education to support efforts to meaningfully contribute throughout the entire process. Identify
an online learning programme developed by
all employees serves to help the company to the nutritional quality of the products regional ambassadors, internal experts,
Registered Dietitians that provides education
build a strong nutrition culture that enables the company develops and how they and pilot the programme and content with
regarding basic nutrition information, and
their purpose and directly benefits the health communicate regarding the benefits of the employees. Allow for employee feedback,
how nutrition can impact health and various
and wellbeing of their workforce and their company’s portfolio, and 3) build a strong and tailor content to a variety of interest
conditions. The programme was provided
families. internal nutrition culture. The company levels, understanding, and time availability.
in extended versions for those in research
has already seen an increased interest in & development and customer-facing roles,
voluntary activities to support nutrition and while their operators and other support
NUTRITION health, a greater focus on nutritious product
development and a desire to learn more
staff received a more condensed version
with the option to complete the original
EDUCATION amongst their employees. version should they choose. Knowledge and
comprehension checks were included, and
Through the company’s nutrition education post-course surveys from employees has
efforts, Griffith Foods believes that their demonstrated significant interest in receiving
additional nutrition education in many cases.
CHALLENGES
Challenges identified included access to
technology to view the online modules, time
constraints to complete the course, language
& translation issues, and ensuring culturally
relevant examples and material. To address
these, the company has collected feedback
that will be used to revise and update the
course. They are also investigating the use
of ‘technical’ language translation and the
use of updated technology platforms to
allow for simplified viewing of the content
and automated tracking capabilities.28 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 29 Case Study Booklet
INDOFOOD
CASE STUDY Workforce nutrition
programmes increase
trust between the
employer and
employees, resulting
in lowered personnel
attrition for businesses
and more a fulfilling,
stable and satisfying
workplace for staff.
Indofood has shown its commitment to
workforce nutrition by implementing the
Balance Nutrition Guidance and Lactation
Room Guidance from the Indonesian
Ministry of Health and guidance provided by Axton Salim, Director,
the Workforce Nutrition Alliance. PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk30 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 31 Case Study Booklet
PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk was invited (SUN) Business Network as a platform for building up to nine factories and reaching • Healthy Food at Work: calculate ideal
by the Global Nutrition for Growth Compact accountable, transparent business action on more than 5,000 employees in the last five menus for carbohydrate and protein
in 2013 to participate in its society nutrition the nutrition agenda. years. percentages.
improvement movement. The company then • Implementing breastfeeding support • Breastfeeding practices: check list of
reviewed what they could do to contribute By taking these actions, the company intends building up from 40 breastfeeding facilities breastfeeding facilities and improvement.
to the movement. It was decided the least to: in company factories and the head office • Nutrition focus health check: basic
they could do was to take action for their • potentially reach up to 91,585 of Indofood’s to 56 facilities in the last five years. The calculator of BMI (Body Mass Index),
workforce. By improving their knowledge on employees in Indonesia with their Nutrition young mothers appreciate the facilities for haemoglobin level, and use of health
nutrition, it will positively affect their families Policy’; and their comfort and privacy and assurance to check data, such as cholesterol and blood
and, in the long run, will contribute to the • improve maternal health and support collect quality breastmilk for the children’s sugar, for nutrition improvement.
community’s health status and productivity of breastfeeding for approximately 2,200 needs. • Knowledge improvement: benefits of
the company. working mothers who are an important part • Nutrition education, through webinars and nutrition knowledge awareness lead to
of the company’s workforce. Zoom meetings, has been done over the behaviour changes in consumption at work
PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk will last two years, reaching approximately 800 and at home.
contribute to improve the nutrition, and,
consequently, the productivity and health
CONCRETE employees.
across their workforce. By December 2030, BENEFITS SIMPLE SUCCESS
the company will:
At first, the company implemented Balance STORIES
• Introduce a corporate nutrition policy for a Nutrition Guidance and Lactation Room
productive and healthy workforce; and Guidance from the Indonesia Ministry of The company has implemented numerous
• Improve corporate policies for maternal Health. Since this year, they are now also actions that have led to simple successes:
health, including breastfeeding support using Workforce Nutrition Alliance guidance.
for mothers. This support includes, to Concrete benefits that the company have seen
prevent stunting, six months exclusive so far include:
breastfeeding support and follow up
support with complementary foods up to • Collaboration with the Faculty of Public
24 months to further support nutritional Health University of Indonesia on Piloting
intake for the first 1,000 days, which is Workforce Nutrition programmes. This
known as the most effective intervention includes increasing the number of
employees participating; from 3,500
The company looks to the Scaling Up Nutrition employees in four factories previously,
“Having recently stepped into the role of CEO at the Ajinomoto Group, one of my first areas of focus is
“Several members of the Scaling Up Nutrition Business Network (SBN), who have implemented work-
corporate culture. Our culture must provide employees with the essence of happiness, the essence of
force nutrition programmes, shared the benefits of reduced sick leave, reduced medical costs and
health, and the essence of excitement. In other words, it makes them passionate to come to work each
improved productivity, health and wellbeing.”
day. I would like employees to feel that ‘when I am with Ajinomoto Group, it makes me naturally excited,
naturally healthy, naturally happy’.”
Axton Salim, Director, PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk
Taro Fujie, President & CEO, Ajinomoto Group32 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 33 Case Study Booklet
CHALLENGES & RECOMMENDATIONS
OPPORTUNITIES Currently, most companies have not put
The company has had to overcome several enough attention on workforce nutrition and
challenges when working to implement do not understand the benefits of proper
workforce nutrition programmes across nutrition to improve productivity of the
the company. These include the cost of employee. The normal practise is to focus on
living and rising food prices, the availability the cost of meals for employees.
of employee health data to enable the
company to set a baseline for nutrition The recommendations that the company
improvement, ensuring the right type of would like to share with other companies
employee education on nutrition and health include:
and wellbeing, and reaching the requisite
number of people. • Seek support from the Workforce
Nutrition Alliance (WNA) for sharing
However, with challenges, there are also knowledge and best practises.
opportunities. The company has seen • Start with low hanging fruit of Workforce
more opportunities for learning and Nutrition Pillars; in this case start with
best practice sharing with other nutrition Breastfeeding support facilities and
partners and leaders and have been able nutrition education.
to set a benchmark. They have also seen • Consider piloting as it is good to use the
improvements in nutrition awareness and model of the Workforce Nutrition Alliance
more shifts toward positive behaviour covering topics like Breastfeeding
change from employees. Support, Healthy Food at Work, Nutrition
Education and Nutrition-related Health
All in all, investment in nutrition has proven Checks
to be a good investment.34 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 35 Case Study Booklet
The strength of Kao’s long-running
KAO health initiatives is our ability to
practice and propose evidence-
CASE STUDY based activities for incorporation
into daily living based on a
wealth of basic information and
healthcare insights that we have
cultivated over many years. One
example is how we have provided
our evidence-based nutrition
improvement program Smart
WASHOKU to our own employees,
with demonstrated healthcare
effects such as visceral fat
reduction. Going forward, we will
implement these activities for
working people in companies and
people living in various regions in
order to help boost global health
and nutrition.
Kao is committed to the spreading of
the evidence-based workplace nutrition
improvement programmes like “Smart
WASHOKU”, a culinary method based on the
company’s own proprietary research and Hideki Mamiya, Executive Officer, Human
insights. Capital Development, Kao Corporation36 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 37 Case Study Booklet
Kao Corporation believes that if their
employees and their families are healthy and
will help reduce productivity losses due to
absenteeism and presenteeism.
SMART WASHOKU Beyond just their own workforce in Japan,
happy, employee productivity and corporate however, Kao believes more people,
Examples of Kao’s work in this area include including employees’ family members and
value will be boosted. The company also works Encouraging people to undergo check-ups,
them holding events to check visceral fat overseas employees, should be able to
on workforce nutrition because they hope to implementing programmes to help improve
and lifestyle habits. This helps to visualise obtain information on Smart WASHOKU and
contribute to the health and wellbeing of many dietary and exercise habits, and making other
people’s current health statuses and get access to relevant meals.
people in society by sharing the knowledge, efforts have boosted employees’ health
prompts them to improve their diets, where
technology, and results cultivated in-house literacy. The company has noted a decrease
needed. The company wants to spread awareness
with workplaces other than their own. in healthcare costs per person among those
getting treated for lifestyle-related diseases about Smart WASHOKU throughout society,
The company is also implementing “Smart and secure partners to distribute information
REDUCING HEALTH- as well as a drop in the number of employees
taking long-term leave. WASHOKU”, a culinary method based on and meals together with this objective in
RELATED RISKS their own proprietary research and insights.
The company provides internal seminars,
mind. The company hopes to achieve this
through the Workforce Nutrition Alliance.
online videos, cooking classes, company
The company believes its work on workforce
cafeteria lunches, and other activities so
nutrition will help drive a reduction in risks
that all employees can obtain information on
pertaining to lifestyle-related diseases
healthy food and get access to good food.
connected with obesity. They also believe this38 Workforce Nutrition Alliance
RECOMMENDATIONS
There are multiple approaches that already In addition, it is ideal to create an
exist to motivate people to start their journey environment for such people to improve
towards eating more healthy food, each with their eating habits without excessive stress,
different goals for nutrients. However, many such as by leveraging technology to provide
people are unable to put these into practice. meals that are very delicious and enjoyable,
as well as very healthy
It is crucial for people to first understand
their current health conditions and lifestyle
habits, to discover the importance of
improving their eating habits, and to develop
motivation for working on this as a personal
challenge.40 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 41 Case Study Booklet
Improving nutrition is a
critical part of food system
olam food transformation, and
ingredients implementing company-
CASE STUDY wide goals in our own
workplace is one of the
key levers for driving
such improvements. We
at ofi are proud to be
recognised as an industry
leader in workforce
nutrition; an honour
that strengthens our
commitment to improving
year after year.
ofi sees workforce nutrition is a business
imperative and as a huge opportunity to
improve health and nutrition outcomes
globally. The company is taking a holistic - Ashok Krishen,
approach to promoting health and wellbeing CEO, ofi’s nuts platform
at work.42 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 43 Case Study Booklet
Promoting health and nutrition throughout By establishing and strengthening workplace
ofi’s workforce is part of making real the nutrition programmes throughout their
company’s purpose - to be the change worksites, they expect employees will be
for good food and a healthy future. As an happier, be healthier and derive greater
organisation underpinned by a 40,000+ satisfaction from their work. It is ofi’s hope
strong workforce and a sourcing network of that this will be reflected through employee
over 2.5 million smallholder farmers, it’s a satisfaction surveys.
business imperative and huge opportunity
to improve health and nutrition outcomes Through strong nutrition education
globally. programmes in the workplace, employees
will be empowered to make healthy
Evidence demonstrates that malnutrition decisions related to their diets, and through
and poor health around the world continue breastfeeding support, mothers will be
to negatively impact businesses as result encouraged to follow best breastfeeding
of working days lost to illness and reduced practices, to the benefit of themselves and
workforce productivity. Studies also clearly their infants.
illustrate how investments in employee
nutrition and wellbeing lead to increased With regards to the benefits for ofi as a
worker output, and improved employee- business, the company also anticipates that
employer relationships, benefitting both the these actions will improve their workplace
there has been a positive response amongst
female employees. An employee at one
GLOBAL EXAMPLES
individual and the business. culture, boost worker productivity, and
of their nuts factories told the company
reduce the risk of workplace accidents. As
that the new lactation room, equipped Last year, ofi’s coffee team in the Democratic
ofi notes its workers are key to their success a result, they expect to see reduced rates of
with refrigerated storage, together with Republic of Congo conducted an assessment
as an organisation. The organisation wants absenteeism, increased employee retention
training on how to use a breast pump, was of the overall diets of female employees, with
to create an environment where employees and improved intra-company relationships.
instrumental in her decision to stop taking results showing that only one in three women
want to come to work every day – it’s in
lactation-impeding medications and resume were consuming adequate diets. In response,
everyone’s best interest. Since ofi began rolling out the Workforce
breastfeeding her child. the team began adapting the foods served in
Nutrition Alliance scorecard in 2021, 47
the canteen to address the specific nutritional
HOLISTIC HEALTH ofi worksites have developed action
plans to improve their workforce nutrition
deficiencies identified.
programmes, having completed the initial
By encouraging the company’s business Early this year, the team at ofi’s cashew factory
scorecard assessment.
units globally to serve healthy food at in Anyama, Côte d’Ivoire constructed a nursery
work, boost nutrition education, provide facility that can accommodate up to 60 children at
An example of ofi sites that are leading the
employees with nutrition-oriented health one time, with a dedicated breastfeeding space.
way in workforce nutrition, is the company’s
checks and create breastfeeding-enabling This is enabling new mothers to return to work
nuts business in Viet Nam. In 2021, the
environments, ofi expects there will be earlier than they would otherwise have felt able
business launched a programme to support
tangible benefit for both their employees to. It also provides new mothers with reassurance
new mothers in the workplace. From raising
and for ofi as an organisation. that there is a safe and hygienic on-site day-care
awareness, providing counselling sessions
facility if they need it.
and creating breastfeeding-friendly spaces,44 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 45 Case Study Booklet
In February 2021, the hazelnuts team in
Turkey hosted a nutrition training with a
CHALLENGES & capacity within business units will be key to
growing the company’s programme.
dietician for 114 employees to learn about OPPORTUNITIES
healthy eating practices and diet-related Nevertheless, as their Workforce Nutrition
health concerns. Participants showed a high A key challenge is expanding the scope Programme grows, and the more they
level of engagement and enjoyed a lively of sustainability efforts to include the engage with central HR and product teams
discussion. During the follow-up, several workplace. Many businesses units remain on assessment and action planning, the
employees revealed that they had since unaware of the direct positive impact that more empowered ofi’s management teams RECOMMENDATIONS
modified their eating habits as a result of robust workforce nutrition programmes will become to action workforce nutrition
what they had learned during the session. can have on their employees and on the programmes to positively impact their Appointing ambassadors for workforce
Due to the success of this initiative, the team business as a whole. As such, galvanising employees. In addition to working with the programmes in your business is key.
now plans to make this training a regular support for workplace-level interventions individual teams to brainstorm and develop From getting the balling rolling, to driving
event. and ensuring that workforce nutrition is action plans, the company is actively momentum once up and running, this point
addressed by ofi’s business units globally disseminating ready-to-use tools such as person will champion the business case for
The cocoa team in Ecuador has begun will require continuous sensitisation, nutrition education materials, and knowledge workforce nutrition and ensure aspirations
distributing nutritious snacks to its 70 outreach, and internal dialogue. resources such as the Workforce Nutrition translate into action.
worksite employees throughout the week Guidebooks.
as part of a healthy eating programme. This Another challenge is the relative lack
Given workforce nutrition programmes are
programme also includes free consultations of subject matter expertise within the There is also a large pool of expertise and a relatively new phenomenon within many
with nutritionists, and regular screenings individual business units when it comes to resources for companies to draw from, such organisations, its essential that people
for diet-related health indicators such as improving workforce nutrition. As a result, as training programmes organised by the (ideally leaders) within the organisation be
cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose. A many business units have expressed their Workforce Nutrition Alliance or knowledge willing to speak up and share their views that
number of employees have expressed their desire for more support in this area, in order partners like Alive & Thrive – a partner of investing in nutrition should be considered
appreciate for this scheme through direct to bring about significant change when it the ofi nuts team in Viet Nam - who can part of any core business as it benefits both
feedback to management. comes to workforce nutrition. Building this offer valuable support to companies on their employees and the business itself.
journey to improving workforce nutrition.
Key to a successful workforce nutrition
programme is ensuring a comprehensive
strategy is in place to achieve your
objectives. At ofi, they are working to bring
nutrition support to 100% of their primary
employees. To achieve this, they’re rolling
out the workforce nutrition scorecard to
assess where they stand, and working
directly with teams to provide support and
guidance necessary to drive meaningful
action.46 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 47 Case Study Booklet
Increasingly
OLAM businesses understand
CASE STUDY that investing in
nutrition is not simply
about improving
livelihoods and
wellbeing, but it also
delivers economic
benefits. Collective
action by companies
will be a major step
towards solving global
malnutrition
Building on over a decade of work
to improve health and nutrition for
communities, Olam Group strengthened its
commitment to nutrition in 2020 with a new
goal: 100% of its workforce will have access Julie Greene, Chief Sustainability Officer,
to nutrition programmes by 2030. Olam Group48 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 49 Case Study Booklet
It has been Olam’s longstanding ethos to
do business responsibly. As a purpose-
CONCRETE
driven company with a total workforce BENEFITS
of over 34,000 people, the organisation
believes supporting employee wellbeing
is their responsibility. Once they looked at There is a clear relationship between
how malnutrition impacts the countries and malnutrition and productivity: malnutrition
economies where Olam operates—including contributes to presenteeism – where
its impacts on health, income, and poverty employees come to work, but lack stamina
—the need to invest in workforce nutrition and concentration to perform at their best –
became self-evident. Decades of research and to absenteeism, as poor diets increase
show that by investing in nutrition, both susceptibility to illness. This undermines a
people and businesses do better. person’s wellbeing as well as productivity
and profitability to the company.
Building on over a decade of work
to improve health and nutrition for In places where Olam have supported
communities, Olam Group strengthened nutrition at work, the organisation can see
its commitment to nutrition in 2020 with a reduced absenteeism, improved worker
new goal: 100% of its workforce will have morale, lower staff turnover and increased
access to nutrition programmes by 2030. productivity. A great example comes from
To date, they have assessed the level of its worksites in Ghana, where employees
access to nutrition programmes of nearly participate in annual wellness campaigns
5,500 employees across 21 worksites in six that raise awareness of the importance of
countries. Fifty-six percent of the assessed healthy eating and physical activity. These
employees work at offices, factories and campaigns include initiatives such as
farms that have access to at least bronze- enhancing the canteen menu to incorporate
level workforce nutrition programmes as per fresh fruits as a standard component and
the Workforce Nutrition Alliance scorecard, sports activities for employees. Following
with access to comprehensive health check- this initiative, the Human Resources team
ups emerging as a global strength and observed a decline in medical costs and
nutrition education as an area that can still absenteeism, as well as an increase in
be further scaled-up. For beginner-level employee productivity and engagement.
worksites, the company is engaged in active Olam expects to see similar results in places
action planning to implement new activities where workforce nutrition programmes are
that will improve their scores. now starting.50 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 51 Case Study Booklet
NUTRITION
IN ACTION
Olam Agri’s rubber team in Cote d’Ivoire
recently ran their first nutrition education
session, hosted by an external nutritionist,
for their workforce at a factory employing
more than 220 people from the surrounding
communities in Aniassué. In order to ensure
that all workforce members had access to
the training, they hosted several sessions
throughout the day. They also introduced
a pre- and post-knowledge survey to
gauge the effectiveness of the educational
sessions. Following the session, nearly
all workers experienced an increase in
their knowledge of healthy foods. This
intervention will be complemented by
spark further nutrition education initiatives.
OVERCOMING vegetables in a traditional stew–can ensure
that efforts to improve diets are effective in
efforts to improve the quality of the food
served in their canteen and together these
Another outstanding example comes from CHALLENGES the long-run.
our flour mills in Nigeria. After participating
actions promise to yield good results for
in GAIN’s Technical Support Programme, A key opportunity is identifying champions at
the wellbeing of employees and their A primary challenge is scaling best practices
our beginner-level sites are introducing each worksite to lead the specific design and
engagement at work. while also accounting for local realities.
an array of activities, such as enhancing implementation of activities. To accomplish
Interventions must be contextualised and
the quality of the meals served at their this, the organisation takes advantage of the
In Mozambique, the nutrition leaders in adapted to increase the chances that ideas
canteen, introducing annual health checks various opportunities, resources and tools
our rice facilities have been exceptionally and activities will be positively received
for all employees and initiating nutrition offered by the Workforce Nutrition Alliance.
passionate and motivated to implement by employees. This is especially true for
education activities, including sensitisations For example, Olam recommend champions
nutrition-focused activities for the workforce. Healthy Food at Work; Olam sometimes
on breastfeeding. By taking action in all four to the Alliance’s support programmes, share
One notable activity is the introduction hear hesitancy about replacing cherished
areas of workforce nutrition, these worksites Alliance guidebooks and promote local
of a Health and Wellness WhatsApp cuisine with some other type of “nutritious”
can encourage comprehensive change partnerships that can increase capacity.
group, where members will share low- food. Olam recognises that food is incredibly
through their actions. To increase internal capability for activity
cost, delicious and nutritious recipes, ask culturally significant and that good nutrition
implementation, Olam also organise internal
questions and encourage each other to can be embraced in any cuisine. For
webinars and make available internal case
eat and live well. This small practice—when example, modifying commonly-consumed
studies that share different approaches to
coupled with their distribution of healthy dishes—such as increasing the portion of
improving nutrition at work.
foods—can serve to motivate employees and52 Workforce Nutrition Alliance
RECOMMENDATIONS
For those who are looking to begin or It is important to remember that workforce
strengthen their workforce nutrition journey, nutrition programmes aren’t built in a day.
engaging with all members of the workforce When getting started, focus on the quick
is vital. As a topic, food is fun to talk about; wins as an entry point. You can start small
sharing local, nutritious dishes is a great by having one or two offices implement a
way to initiate discussions about nutrition new activity and ask them to share their
that are enjoyable and engaging. Find out experiences and adjust before scaling up;
what employees would like to learn more this will ensure that your approach grows
about when it comes to good health and from the ground up in a sustainable way. As
nutrition, and find simple ways to support we transition back to in-person work and
it. This way, the actions you take will reflect meetings, you can also include nutritious
your workforce’s needs and desires, food options wherever possible. This can
increasing employee engagement and the include stocking healthier options in office
effectiveness of your interventions. vending machines or subsidising more
nutritious foods at the workplace to make
healthy eating more affordable.54 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 55 Case Study Booklet
Our colleagues are the
QUORN heart of our business.
Living our company
FOODS purpose - healthy food for
CASE STUDY people and planet, it is
imperative for us to support
better nutrition outcomes
for our colleagues. We are
proud of the commitments
and progress we have
made so far, and are
looking forward to
continuing to learn, develop
and grow the impact of
the programme over the
months and years to come.
Quorn has started its workforce nutrition
journey by focusing on education,
promoting healthy meat switches and a
focus on fibre. The company also provides
free emails in some locations to help with
employee education around creating Tongwen Zhao, Director of People
nutritious meals. and Planet, Quorn Foods56 Workforce Nutrition Alliance 57 Case Study Booklet
Quorn is committed as a business to started small, in just one factory, but now
delivering healthy food for people and
planet, and that includes their workforce.
The company recognise that supporting
FIBRE FOCUS reaches all three UK manufacturing sites
with a different recipe each month. The
company have served up more than 1,000
their employees to eat better and lead Meal Planner meals to their employees since the start of
healthier lives, helps in a number of ways. the initiative and the lunches have been very
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday
A healthier diet for employees improves Monday SAturday well received, especially in the absence of
overall health, which in turn means they WHOLEMEAL GRANOLA BRAN OVERNIGHT WEETABIX OAT BREAKFAST staff canteens. Recipes have been requested
Breakfast
BAGEL & YOGHURT FLAKES OATS CEREAL PORRIDGE BURRITO
can lead fuller, healthier lives. Educating with almond butter with chopped peaches with milk of choice with berries & with milk of choice with berries with oat and berry so meal can be cooked at home further too.
the company’s people as to what makes a
& chopped banana or pears & chopped banana chia seeds & chopped banana & seeds smoothie
13g of Fibre 7.5g of Fibre 9.2g of Fibre 11g of Fibre 9.2g of Fibre 11g of Fibre 7g of Fibre
healthy, sustainable diet can help ensure In February 2022, in support of a fibre
their families eat better too. Providing awareness initiative in the UK, the Nutrition
HUMMUS WHOLEMEAL CORONATION FIERY PESTO POACHED PITTA COURGETTE,
access to healthy food in the workplace Lunch WRAP BAGEL JACKETS SPIRALS EGGS OR BEANS POCKETS PEA & PESTO SOUP Science & Culinary Teams created a
can also help in a small part with making with spinach
and red pepper
with beans
and cheese
with Quorn Pieces
in creamy sauce
with Cauldron
Middle-Eastern Falafel
and avocado on
wholemeal bagel
with Caudron
Morrocan Falafel
with sourdough
toast
fibre planner for distribution around the
the current increased cost of living prices, 7.2g of Fibre 15g of Fibre 13g of Fibre 18g of Fibre 14g of Fibre 11g of Fibre 9g of Fibre company’s manufacturing sites and offices,
just that little bit more bearable. For Quorn, to help ensure employees eat more fibre in
having a healthier workforce means a more the diet. Employees were able to take home
TIKKA BOMBAY LENTIL GARLIC ROASTED CKN & CHICKPEA
productive, happier workforce and less BRILLIANT BANGERS CHILLI CON
the A5 meal planners and use the inspiration
Dinner
CURRY* PIE* BOLOGNESE SALMON CURRY & MASH QUORN*
absenteeism. The company will have a with Quorn Pieces
and spiced veg
Tikka Curry turned into
a pie
with mushrooms and
wholemeal spaghetti
with new potatoes
& peas
with Quorn
Pieces
with veggies with Quorn
to increase their fibre consumption to the
& gravy Mince
more engaged workforce as a result, and by 24g of Fibre 9.3g of Fibre 8.3g of Fibre 6g of Fibre 8.8g of Fibre 17g of Fibre 25g of Fibre recommended 30g/day, whilst understanding
having a workforce nutrition programme it g
the health benefits that high fibre diets
.2g 31.
8g .5g 35
g 32 38
g 41g
44 30
shows the company care about their people, provide. Feedback has been really positive
which is a brilliant way of retaining their around format and content and many staff
existing staff and attracting new talent. reported using the planners at home.
what makes a healthy, sustainable diet and
that includes understanding the role that
SUPPORTING
CONCRETE mycoprotein plays and the role employees EMPLOYEES
play in ensuring a sustainable food future.
BENEFITS In 2021 Quorn launched an initiative called
The company also expect to see a year-on- ‘Food for Our People’ whereby staff at the
Quorn are at the start of their workforce year improvement in employee engagement company’s UK manufacturing sites are
nutrition journey and will be implementing scores, and a reduction in total absenteeism. offered free monthly lunches featuring
their workforce nutrition programme over Quorn look forward to seeing a positive Quorn mycoprotein. Not only do people
the course 2022, starting with nutrition response to the programme elements and to receive free hot meals, but they are also
education. continue their implementation the company able to see how easy it is to swap meat
will ensure they are embedded in to site in their diet with meat substitutes, without
Over time, the company are expecting to plans and strategies. compromising on flavour, whilst doing good
see an increase in employee awareness of for the planet at the same time. The initiativeYou can also read
