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8
Cultural trends 
Organisations are part of the wider social environment.
Examples of how cultural trends can change organisations are given in this section. 
8.1 Health and diet issues 
There have been significant changes in some countries in attitudes to diet and health. 
Some people are slowly moving to a healthier diet. In addition, there has been an increase in 
vegetarianism, and 'green consumerism'. This includes a concern with 'organic food' now found in many 
supermarkets. 
8.2 Impact of health and diet on businesses 
Growing market
. There is a growing market
 
for sports-related goods (even though, as is the case with 
running shoes, sporting goods might be purchased as fashion accessories). 
Employee health
. Employers are concerned with the effect of ill-health on productivity. Some employers 
provide gyms and physical recreation facilities. Others offer counselling programmes to employees who 
may be struggling with stress or health problems. 
New foods
.
 
The health food and supplement market has grown significantly over the past decade. Some 
foods and supplements claim health benefits including improved mental focus and concentration. 
Convenience food.
There is a market for 
new sorts of convenience food
. 
Organic foods
. Organic foods
 
(grown without artificial pesticides, hormones etc) are more popular. This 
could lead to a healthier workforce, or on the other hand may increase days lost to issues of food health 
(eg food poisoning). 
8.3 Women in work 
Over the past few decades, in most countries the number of women in the workforce has increased 
significantly.
 
A related trend is an increase in part-time working and flexible working. In the UK, more 
than five times as many women as men are part-timers. 
There was once widespread discrimination against women. 
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