by Christine Pesta
It can be very true for some people that they find they spend more time at work than at home. If anything, our workplace is a home away from home. As such, we want to feel comfortable and accepted there, just as we would at home.
Because our place of work is a major part of our daily lives, we tend to share something of ourselves with our co-workers. We may talk about our kids, the latest movie we saw, or last night’s baseball game. Co-workers sometimes tend to group at lunch in the cafeteria, or go out to lunch, with those they have found share common interests.
Co-workers may just go out to eat together based on their common interest in certain foods. However, the vegan in the office may have to decline an invitation to lunch, bring their own meals every day, or beg off when cake is served at an office birthday party.
If you are the only one in your office that is vegan, it can feel a little lonely or frustrating at times. But there are ways to make the best of the situation.
Most supervisors and office managers will be sensitive to your dilemma and will try to do everything they can to accommodate you. If the company is treating everyone to sandwiches for lunch, usually they will make sure that any vegan employee has an option available.
If you find that is not the case at your place of employment, see if you can discuss the situation with a supervisor. It is important that you don’t seem as though you are demanding that your dietary choices be catered to, and that you would love to participate more often in company events, but feel the need to beg off if there are certain aspects of any employee get-together that is in conflict with your beliefs.
Another way to go about it is to get people “on board”. That is not to say try to “convert” them to veganism, but every now and then bring in some sort of vegan dish to share with everyone. A good place to start is always with something sweet. Vegan cupcakes or cookies would be a good choice. Once people begin to realize that vegan food really doesn’t taste any different from what they have been eating, you might find some co-workers who have some questions for you.
It might also be a good idea to have information available, should you feel you might be asked questions. Whether it’s printed material, or the names of websites, cookbooks, or documentaries you could refer them to, have some thoughts as to what you feel would be appropriate information to give to each inquisitive person you might encounter on the job.
Lunchtime in the office could be made fun as well. You might bring a little extra of what you’re having to eat that day if you feel there may be people interested in trying some of your meal.
Another way of getting people interested in finding out more about veganism would be to reference the names of celebrities who are vegan. So many people are influenced by their favorite singer, actor, or sports figure. Having non-vegan co-workers realize that some people they admire are, in fact, vegan as well, may change they way they view the lifestyle.
If you are an employer, manager, or supervisor who has vegan employees you oversee, it is also important to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of those individuals in the workplace. Not only would it be considerate and appreciated to accommodate them when having an office get together where food may be involved, but also to make sure that they are working in comfortable conditions. Believe it or not, there are still people out there who choose to remain ignorant or insensitive when it comes to the culture, beliefs, or lifestyles of their fellow employees. There can still be the joke or snide comment made, as well as flat out bullying or harassment in the workplace due to an individual’s lifestyle or beliefs. People in charge of other employees must be sure to keep an eye out if they suspect any worker is being made to feel uncomfortable. Another way to approach it is to simply take such employees aside and make sure that they are aware that they can feel free to come to you in safety and in confidence should they have a problem with anyone they work with.
If you are in a work situation where everyone is openminded and non-judgemental, you are luckier than some. However, when it comes to veganism, plant-based food, and health and environmental concerns, most people have become more aware of those things and you are more likely these days to encounter inquisitiveness instead of rudeness.
You may find yourself in a great situation where you will be able to educate people as to the impact veganism can have on their lives and the lives of those around them. In fact, you may even find after a while, that you are no longer the only vegan in your workplace!
