https://news.sky.com/story/bringing-cake-to-office-as-harmful-as-passive-smoking-uk-food-watchdog-says-12789287#
Brass Eye was right
https://youtube.com/shorts/xkuRM5wQ7bs?feature=share
Think it is over the top to claim this is similar to passive smoking but I get the issue and some workplaces are terrible at promoting health and well being.
Some people have just dismissed this on the basis that anyone can refuse a bit of cake. But it isn't that simply and it certainly isn't the same as a plate of biscuits next to the coffee at a meeting. For that it is purely down to self control - sure there are biscuits to tempt but if someone doesn't take a biscuit then so what. That isn't the same with cakes, donuts, brownies etc brought in specifically by someone on their birthday to celebrate that birthday. Someone who refuses in that circumstance is effectively refusing to celebrate - that is much harder to say no to that the plate of biscuits.
Actually I think the boat on this one sailed years ago - my experience is that many work environments have changed markedly and the notion of bringing in cake for a birthday died out years ago. Realistically I can't think of the last time it happened in my work environment (or a few others I regularly drop into) - maybe 15 years ago. And the whole working from home thing has also punctured this particular balloon. Hard to bring in cakes on your birthday if you are working from home. Also a bit insensitive to bring in cake if you are in the office but half of your team are working from home.
