Case Study: Kraft Foods

Healthy Living Programme

Kraft Foods Healthy Living ProgrammeKraft is committed to encouraging and supporting employees to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle. In summer 2004, the company ran a healthy living week at its UK head office, providing taster sessions of a variety of activities to encourage employees to consider their eating, activity and lifestyle choices. In January 2006, Kraft's employee healthy living programme won a BBC 'Big Challenge' award for the 'Healthiest Large Employer' in the BBC Radio Gloucestershire area. In 2007, Healthy Living Week took place at the company's Banbury manufacturing plant, with another planned for its UK head office in September.

Promoted using e-mail, posters and a dedicated intranet site, the week's programme emphasised the benefits of eating a balanced diet and becoming involved in enjoyable activities. A holistic approach was encouraged, and events included health checks, fitness training, nutrition seminars and relaxation classes. The response from employees was so positive during the initial launch week that many activities have become permanent.

Kraft's ongoing programme of employee support includes:

  • Provision of salads, fruit and reduced-fat or calorie choices in staff restaurants
  • Bike racks, lockers and showers at Cheltenham and Banbury sites
  • Exercise classes, including Pilates, Yoga and circuit training, involving more than 20 per cent of employees at Cheltenham
  • Employee discounts at fitness clubs and on-site chiropody and massage
  • Participation in special events e.g. London to Brighton Bike Ride
  • Full health checks offered through the occupational health team ('mini MOTs' offered to hard-to-reach employees)
  • Cardiovascular screenings offered to all employees in 3-4 year cycles
  • Bespoke health information provided for function-specific staff (e.g. production line operatives - staying fit to perform a physical role etc)
  • Booklet on health and wellness offering tips, discounts and full list of Kraft facilities issued to staff and regularly updated

Text to fill in . This case study is featured in our booklet Workplace Wellbeing: The Food Industry in Action (pdf, 1.2Mb)

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Last reviewed: 25 Jun 2008