Can working conditions explain differences in eating patterns during working hours?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether there are associations between working conditions and the use of staff canteen or packed meals among Finnish employees. Setting: Data were obtained from cross-sectional surveys on working conditions, conducted triennially (1997, 2000, 2003) since 1997. Subjects: In each survey, the subjects were 25-64-year-old employed Finnish employees: 3096 men and 3273 women. Results: Employees at large workplaces used canteens far more often than those at smaller workplaces. Working conditions played a different role in canteen use at small and large workplaces, as well as among the different sexes. At small workplaces, physically demanding jobs held by female employees and low job control encouraged employees to use the canteen. On the other hand, at large workplaces, low social support at work encouraged the use of canteens among men whereas high mental strain at work meant they used the canteen less. Among women, eating packed meals was not related to working conditions, but among men, low social support and high mental strain at work were associated with more frequent use of packed meals. Conclusions: The use of a staff canteen is largely determined by the size of the workplace and by employee education. The underlying factor could be the availability of canteens, a question which must be confirmed in further studies, since well-planned mass catering at workplaces has major effects on public health, well-being and the nutrition education of employees.

School and workplace meals promote healthy food habits

“…Preparations for the system have continued as a project between the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Finnish Institution of Occupational Health (TTL) and the Finnish Heart Association. The project has analysed existing data on meal patterns among Finnish population groups in order to show how the current health monitoring systems could be utilized in evaluation and development of catering services (14)(15)(16)(17) . In addition, the project will search for alternative data sources, such as registers and statistics that could cost-effectively provide information on the quality of meals served outside the home.…”

“…Finns with the lowest education and living somewhere outside the capital area prefer packed meals (28) . Differences in worksite canteen use defined by years of education and place of residence have not changed remarkably in Finland between 1979 and 2001 (29) .…”

Associations between food patterns, socioeconomic position and working situation among adult, working women and men in Oslo

“…Occupation may affect eating habits during work time, social environment and the lifestyle of colleagues. Furthermore, physical and mental work strain and degree of work control have been reported to influence eating habits (Wickrama et al, 1995;Lallukka et al, 2004;Raulio et al, 2008). Shift/night workers may in addition encounter special challenges with regard to where and what to eat.…”

Food use and nutrient intake at worksite canteen or in packed lunches at work among Finnish employees

“…Previous studies have shown that Finnish worksite canteens are mostly used by well-educated urban people (Roos et al 2004;Raulio et al 2005;Paturi et al 2008), and that women eat packed lunches more often than men (Gronow & Jääskeläinen 2001;Raulio et al 2007;Paturi et al 2008). Employees' food choices at worksite canteens are found to be more in line with nutritional recommendations than those at other lunch places, because, for instance, fresh vegetables and fish dishes are favoured there (Lallukka et al 2001;Raulio et al 2004;Roos et al 2004).…”