Whitbread has introduced Weight Watchers in the workplace to help boost employees' health and wellbeing, and assist their work-life balance.
The hospitality firm has made the scheme permanent after a trial class was successfully completed this month.
Staff pay for the benefit themselves but get a company-negotiated discounted rate on membership and fees, including free access to the Weight Watchers website.
Jo Rackham, Whitbread's head of reward and analysis (pictured), said: "The class has been extremely well received by employees. It gives them the opportunity to attend a weekly class held on site during their lunch break, rather than struggling to find the time outside working hours."
To support the group, Whitbread's head office restaurant is offering a new range of healthy meals and providing skimmed milk for the coffee machine.
Membership is voluntary and kept confidential, except where members choose to tell others. The group holds its meetings in a room with shutters.
Rackham said: "We set the tone right and told staff not to be scared of joining. It is a benefit for them and it is entirely up to them."