We demand that employees hired by the state and local governments be provided with free, healthy meals.
Such a solution would serve as a form of partial compensation for the low salaries in the public sector, as well as a response to the obesity epidemic.
Fighting obesity in the workplace
According to Statistics Poland (GUS), 62% of men and 46% of women in Poland are overweight, and one in five Poles is obese. In total, 52% of the population struggles with excess weight.
This situation calls for a systemic response. That’s why we propose introducing free, high-quality meals financed from the state budget for all public sector and local government employees.
We want employees to eat healthily. Therefore, each catering provider would be required to follow guidelines regarding micro- and macronutrient content, as outlined by certified dietitians.
Numerous studies show that regular, healthy eating positively impacts well-being and job performance. Employees who follow a proper diet take sick leave less frequently, which also brings measurable benefits to employers. Introducing such a solution would thus be beneficial for both sides.
Working for the state must be attractive!
Our proposal is part of a broader plan to increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of jobs in the public sector. In recent years, we’ve observed a troubling trend of experienced employees leaving state institutions, leading to a growing number of unfilled positions. Currently, one-third of public offices are unable to carry out their tasks due to vacancies, which translates into a decline in the quality of services provided to citizens. This trend carries serious consequences for the functioning of the state and the well-being of society. We therefore expect decisive action from the government to reverse these negative developments and genuinely improve the conditions for public sector and local government workers.
A longer lunch break
Currently, under the Labor Code, meals funded by the employer are only granted to employees working under particularly difficult conditions.
At the same time, we propose introducing a lunch break of at least 45 minutes, counted as part of the working time, for all public sector employees. At present, for an eight-hour workday, the minimum break is only 15 minutes—too short to eat a meal calmly.
Over the next few years, similar solutions should be implemented across the entire economy. The widespread availability of high-quality meals would undoubtedly contribute to improved employee health, increased work efficiency, and reduced stress.
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