From lunch breaks to late nights: a qualitative study of how workplaces can support healthy diet, physical activity and sleep behaviours in young adults

Background

Early adulthood (age 16–24) is an important time for development of healthy behaviours such as diet, physical activity and sleep, which promote wellbeing and maintenance of a healthy weight. This study explored the perspective of young adult employees and employers on the influence of work and the workplace on these behaviours, and what employers and policy makers could do to support healthy behaviours among young adults in the workplace.

Methods

Our research focused on four industries (food services, construction, early years education, and social care), comprising focus groups with young adult employees (aged 16–24) and with employers. Framework analysis of focus group transcripts compared findings and identified common themes across the different industries represented, with a focus on perceived challenges, solutions, and pathways to supporting healthy behaviours.

Results

23 young adults and 28 employers took part in the research. Employers and young adults agreed that work and the workplace had a strong influence on health behaviours and health. Participants discussed both the negative influence of work, for example long working hours, poor working environments, but also the positive role of employers’ support for health, incentives for healthy behaviours and good relationships with managers. While young people recognised the role of employers in supporting their health, they deem that individuals are ultimately responsible. Employers primarily emphasise their role in providing education and raising awareness about healthy lifestyles.

Conclusions

Structural, environmental and relational factors are all important in ensuring that workplaces support young people’s health.