Celebrations, cafeterias should reflect diversity

Vending machines and cafeterias can be a great benefit for your employees, but an awareness of the unique needs of each worker as well as a desire to find solutions rather than barriers can lead to a more inclusive workplace.

Providing on-site company cafeterias is called a convenience benefit, because it saves employees time and provides them with meals at a discount.

More important than looking at a service such as an on-site company cafeteria is the awareness of what an occasional employee celebration lunch or the company vending machines contain.

In today's workplace, employers need to be sensitive to dietary needs and restrictions. An employee's eating habits may be linked to religious beliefs - such as adherence to kosher or halal dietary restrictions - or their diet may be influenced by health conditions or choices, such as diabetes, lactose intolerance or vegetarianism.

Employers have a variety of options available to accommodate the needs of employees who keep kosher. Food items such as fresh, uncut fruit can be provided during luncheons and vending machines can include kosher items, such as canned tuna.

For those employers who have employees that observe halal dietary requirements, they need to be aware that prohibited foods include items like swine or pork and land animals without external ears.

Also, employers should avoid scheduling employee events that involve food on days when some of their employees are fasting.

Ideally, all employers should keep a calendar of major religious holidays handy to refer to when planning events. Simple efforts on the part of the employer to understand and try to accommodate employee needs are appreciated and relatively easy to accomplish.

There are Web sites that can provide acceptable or unacceptable food choices for religious needs or lifestyle choices.

Offering flexible break times and the ability to store food near a workstation are ideal solutions for employers. This accommodates the needs of employees who may be diabetics.

Employers also should be mindful of employees who may be vegetarian or who observe a vegan diet. Consider stocking vending machines with fresh fruits, nuts, baked chips, bags of popcorn, granola bars, flavored water and even sugar-free cookies.

At a minimum, employers should always provide adequate refrigerator and microwave facilities so employees can bring their own food.

If an employee luncheon is being planned by the employer, always offer one option with no pork and one other meatless option, at a minimum. Everyone should have a choice.

Ask your employees what their needs are. Diversity is part of every workplace. By making diverse food options available to every employee helps to celebrate the diversity in our workplaces.