Rethinking Workforce Nutrition in Pakistan’s Industrial Heartland

Daily, more than 40,000 employees work at Pakistan’s Hattar Industrial Estate (HIE), a hub of over 300 industries producing textiles, ceramics, chemicals, and food. But behind the hum of machines lies a quieter issue: are the nutritional and employee wellbeing needs of the workers being met?

A recent GAIN study across five industries in HIE found that while 96% of factories provide meals, the options are often fried, calorie-dense, and lacking in essential nutrients. Health checks exist in some workplaces, but follow-up support and nutrition education are rare. Breastfeeding support for working mothers is almost absent.

The good news: both employers and employees are ready for change. Over 70% of employers said they would improve workplace meals once they understood the productivity benefits. Workers, too, showed strong interest in learning about healthier food choices, preventive health services, and more inclusive policies.

The workplace is where most adults spend a third of their day and often eat their main meal. It’s also where nutrition can become a powerful lever to tackle non-communicable diseases, reduce absenteeism, and boost productivity. Hattar’s story shows that when workers are nourished, industries thrive.

Read the full blog here.