Let's talk about eating disorders: Opening the chat in the workplace

When we sat down with MYNDUP practitioner, Integrative Counsellor & Psychotherapist - Fergus - it became instantly clear to us how much of our work life social events centre around food and drink. Socialising with work colleagues not only strengthens the quality of workplace relationships, but it can also enable teams to work more effectively together.

But what happens when people withdraw from that because it triggers unwanted behaviours that they might be avoiding?

“Good employee relations are built when people eat. The absence of food creates stress and if people are under stress then they behave unproductively.” - Fergus

Now that lockdown restrictions in the UK are lifting and people are being encouraged to return to the office, employers can play a crucial role in opening up the conversations surrounding eating disorders, ensuring social events aren’t solely food-orientated and encouraging support tactics for employers suffering personally or with their loved ones.

“We need to break down this stigma in the workspace by adopting cultural change. Something needs to happen to promote harmonious ways of working as most people are unaware that their anxiety is even related to food habits. We tend to look for ‘high bang foods’ when we feel pressured, including carbs and sugar, but the boost from those foods is short-term and conceals what is really going on inside.”  - Fergus

For those that maybe are aware of what's going on inside, the workplace can really create social anxiety around eating. “A lot of our socialising happens in the kitchen or at a team lunch and so it’s crucial that we start diversifying that and changing the narrative to consider activities that don’t centre around food.”

Eating Disorder Statistics

1. Between 1.25 and 3.4 million people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder
2. Around 25% of those affected by an eating disorder are male
3. Most eating disorders develop during adolescence, although there are cases of eating disorders developing in children as young as 6 and in adults in their 70's
4. Eating disorder are most common in individuals between the ages of 16 and 40 years old

A lot of the time, especially with home working, the rise of eating disorders - including anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating or avoidant eating - couldn't easily be spotted by employers or colleagues.

9 important signs to become aware of in the workplace:

1. Social withdrawal or isolation from events
2. Changes in behaviour and mood
3. Restrictive food consumption
4. Obsessive behaviour around food e.g. talking constantly about it
5. Disappearing to the toilet after eating
6. Fatigue and trouble concentrating
7. Over-exercising or noticeable weight fluctuations
8. Distorted beliefs about body size

9. Low self-confidence

Spot these 5 signs at work:

1. Be mindful of including others activities that don’t centre around food and drink.

Food-oriented events can be really overwhelming for people battling eating disorders and can isolate them or create a barrier to socialising. This can cause further negative emotions such as shame, embarrassment or guilt, and increase the risk of disordered eating. Consider organising activities that the entire team can participate in and avoid pressure or judgement for those who feel uncomfortable.

2. Consider office snacks.

It’s part of work culture to express gratitude or appreciation for other colleagues by buying cake and biscuits in a shared office or indulging sugary foods ahead of a difficult afternoon. But be mindful of others who are avoiding eating particular foods and wanting to limit exposure to them in communal spaces such as meeting rooms or the kitchen. Ensure there is also a selection of fresh fruit available as well as biscuits and cake.

3. Create a safe space for food discussions and avoid body-shaming or judgement.

Avoid the comparison trap of comparing body-image or exposing judgement and shame for a particular viewpoint. Be mindful of evaluating what you do or eat in front of others who might feel encouraged to discuss themselves too.

4. Avoid commenting on another person's food choices.

Similar to above, some people with eating disorders may struggle to eat in front of others or might be battling food choices that have taken time and possibly therapy to put together. Be mindful of language used - such as ‘is that all you’re having? - and be wary of the fact it can powerfully affect how that person is feeling.

5. Seek to understand different viewpoints.

Many people take real joy from having a range of foods in their diet. Others have anxiety about food and may not be able to eat at all. Be mindful of the opinion you project, and your reference to what is ‘good food’ or ‘bad food’ and tune in to the fact everyone has different interpretations of ‘healthy’