It is a positive sign that your client is keen to accommodate their employees’ dietary requirements as this should help foster a healthy relationship with the wider workforce. Individuals’ specific dietary requirements are often related to a number of factors such as their religious beliefs, philosophical beliefs or pre-existing medical conditions. Therefore, catering for these requirements could also prevent any costly discrimination claims from arising in the future.
Many employers offer food to staff on their premises by way of a staff canteen or private catering service. If your client chooses to do so then they should make sure there are suitable options available for everyone. For example, meals containing meat and other animal products will naturally be unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians, therefore it is important to ensure there is always a vegetarian option available. Your client should also consider those who have a food-related allergy, ensuring products containing ingredients such as dairy, shellfish, and gluten are clearly marked for their benefit.
The same concept should also apply to work-related meetings and business lunches, where it is important that suitable options are available for all employees. Once again a vegetarian option would be expected as a minimum, whilst your client may choose to go further and provide dishes that are religion-specific, such as those which contain halal meat.
Religious beliefs and certain medical conditions may also prevent employees from consuming alcohol. Therefore, if your client traditionally offers a bottle of champagne to staff to celebrate a significant achievement they should rethink this practice to ensure all employees can be suitably rewarded. For this reason, many employers choose to issue staff with chocolate instead, however, your client should be aware that this could also be unsuitable for any vegan employees.
As Christmas is fast approaching your client may wish to give staff a small gift in recognition of their contributions throughout the year. However, selecting the right gifts can be difficult at the best of times and your client should consider how inclusive any gifts truly are. It is clear to see how a Christmas turkey or bottle of wine would not be suitable to those who do not eat meat or drink alcohol, and because of this, your client should consider purchasing a neutral gift that can be enjoyed equally by all staff.
Ultimately when it comes to supporting staff with varying dietary requirements your client needs to keep an open mind and make informed choices. To avoid offending any employees your client should educate themselves on any specific dietary requirements and consider amending their business practices where possible to avoid disadvantaging any individuals.
Please share this article with your clients
