How do our work habits shape what we eat? In this programme Izzy Greenfield discovers the history of the workplace lunch and the ways in which society has reshaped it. Historian Megan Elias of Boston University in the US explains how lunches have evolved from the factories of the 19th century Industrial Revolution to sandwiches eaten at the desk in 20th century offices. Izzy visits an office and co-working space in Manchester, run by Department, a company that operates office spaces in the North of England. Abigail Gunning, Operations Director, explains why it makes sense for the company to open the building’s cafe and restaurant to the public as well as staff. And how does workplace food impact our health? Olivia Beck, registered nutritionist at Food Choices at Work in Cork, Ireland, explains why it’s in employers’ interests to create a healthy food environment for all staff, whether in the office or at home. If you’d like to contact the programme you can email thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk Presented by Izzy Greenfield. Produced by Beatrice Pickup. Additional reporting by James Jackson. (Image: a man eating a burger with a glass of juice at his desk in front of a computer screen. Credit: Getty Images/BBC)
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the uk.
A search for the truth behind an international drug smuggling plot.
How are we going to unravel this?
All from the BBC World Service.
This is World of Secrets season five, Finding Mr.
Fox.
Search for World of Secrets.
Wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
This is the main kind of the hub of the building.
So we've got big offices of 24 upwards on the right hand side and then some more transient offices underneath the Mezzine.
Then upstairs we've got our hot desks.
So we have people who come in a couple of days a week and then some people who come in every single day.
What do you eat at work, where do you eat it and who do you eat it with?
This is the food chain from the BBC World Service, I'm Izzy Greenfield.
Today we're talking about in the workplace.
Over the years, lunch has evolved from the main meal of the day to a sandwich hastily eaten at our desk.
So what do lunches around the world say about our work culture, our health and our priorities?
And how busy is this usually?
This is like a standard Wednesday.
Heads down, working hard.