Employers encouraged to join the hundreds of businesses going green this January
14th November, 2024 – Veganuary, the global organisation encouraging people to try vegan for January and beyond, is calling on businesses to be greener, healthier and more inclusive by encouraging their teams to take part in the Veganuary Workplace Challenge.
In 2024, over 115 companies joined the Workplace Challenge in the UK – the largest number ever. The Workplace Challenge sees employers encourage their teams to explore plant-based eating during January. By joining this challenge, companies can improve team morale, promote health and wellbeing among staff and demonstrate their environmental commitments.
As more and more businesses make ambitious net zero targets, now is the perfect time to make the Veganuary Workplace Challenge part of corporate sustainability plans. National Trust members recently voted in favour of making menus 50% plant-based across its sites, Lidl is aiming for plant-based items to account for 25% of its total protein sales by 2030, and IKEA has pledged to make 50% of its restaurant main meals plant-based by 2025.
Previous participants of the Workplace Challenge include Nestlé and Unilever; software giants Salesforce and DocuSign; retailers Claire’s, Superdrug and Lush; restaurants Domino’s, Wagamama and Papa John’s; several NHS Trusts and NHS Supply Chain; Ministry of Defence Veg Network and Civil Service Veg Network; universities and colleges such as Exeter University, King’s College London, Cambridge University, University of York, Oxford Brookes, Chelmsford College and Farnborough College. Many organisations, including Just Eat Takeaway, Ernst & Young, Hastings Direct and Adept Care Homes, have taken part for several years in a row.
In their own words, here are some of the reasons these forward-thinking companies and organisations have embraced the Veganuary Workplace Challenge:
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – Rosie Martin – NHS Employee Health & Wellness Dietitian
“Veganuary is a wonderful opportunity for our staff to give plant-based nutrition a go, not only to improve their health but also to reduce our impact on the planet. The Veganuary campaign is the perfect event to help meet our staff wellbeing and RDUH Trust Green Plan targets.”
Adept Care Homes – Joe Lock – Communities Director
“Every year, I enthusiastically engage in Veganuary to explore innovative plant-based dishes, and the experience has been truly enriching. I’ve had the opportunity to witness the positive influence of Veganuary on our residents. They’ve not only enjoyed sampling vegan cuisine but have also expressed a desire for more vegan-related activities throughout the year. Veganuary goes beyond food; it embodies a commitment to personal well-being and sustainability.”
University of Exeter – Prof Richard Smith – Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter
“The University of Exeter is committed to building a greener, healthier and fairer future. Encouraging our 37,000 staff and students to participate in Veganuary and eat a more plant-based diet is a great step towards achieving our vision and net zero goals. Our catering teams provide many delicious, nutritious and affordable vegan options across our Devon and Cornwall campuses, and over 60% of meals sold are now vegetarian or vegan! The Veganuary workplace challenge is a fantastic opportunity to promote plant-based diets in a fun and inclusive way. In addition to offering more vegan options, free tasters, special offers, and prizes for the largest teams who take part, we’re running several events to showcase the exciting research we’re doing on plant-based diets, to feed people’s minds and bodies!”
Toni Vernelli, International Head of Communications and Policy, says: “More companies than ever are realising the positive impact of incorporating plant-based practices into their businesses. With the Veganuary Workplace Challenge, we make it easy, fun and impactful for teams to get involved.”
Notes to Editor
Companies can register their interest in the Workplace Challenge and download our free toolkit here.
Veganuary is free to join, and people can take part at veganuary.com to receive our meal plans, Celebrity eCookbook, the Official Veganuary Starter Kit and 31 daily emails packed with nutritional info, delicious recipes, more meal plans and helpful advice.
