Employees are the backbone of any successful business, which is why it’s so important to be an active influence in the health and well being of your staff. Promoting healthy eating habits within the office has a myriad of benefits that go far beyond just good health. This can include:
● Higher energy levels amongst staff
● Enhanced productivity
● Increased office morale
● Fewer sick days
● Improved staff retention and corporate image
● Reduced work related injuries
Below are several simple and cost effective ways to boost your office staff’s overall health and wellbeing, to provide a happier, and more productive workforce.
Reduce the amount of foods on offer that have high sugar, salt and caffeine levels
Current guidelines suggest that we consume no more than 600mg of caffeine per day to maintain good health. Unfortunately, many statistics have revealed that most office workers are consuming double the recommended amount of caffeine a day, especially whilst at work. The reason for this is that many offices usually only have coffee or teas that contain high caffeine levels on offer. Stocking the office kitchen with herbal and decaf teas for example, makes it much easier for employees to make healthier hot beverage choices throughout the day.
You may also want to take stock of what is in the office vending machine. Instead of having it filled with high calorie sweet and salty snacks, try adding options such as baked pretzels, dried fruits, or vegetable juices. Just don’t remove all of the sweets and salty snacks from the vending machine – it’s okay to cheat once in a while.
If your company offers a canteen, you may want to consider hiring on a accredited dietician that can help ensure that your staff have easy access to a wide variety of healthy food choices.
Allow employee “lunch clubs”
Many offices today are designating one or more days a week where employees can bring in prepared meals from home to share with one another. Soup and sandwich clubs are an ideal choice as it leaves little room for unhealthy food to be brought in. It also gives your employees a much needed bit of social time help unwind as well as increasing positive employee relationships. You can also organise “theme lunches” such as “meatless mondays” that will not only encourage your staff to bring in dishes that are in rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains – it also allows staff who are vegetarian to easily participate.
Join a fruit delivery service company
Organising a regular fruit delivery to the office will not only encourage your staff to eat one or more of their five a day, it will also boost office morale by showing them that their health and well being is valued. Having a good selection of fresh fruit on hand will provide your staff with a quick, easy, and most importantly healthy, way to curb hunger throughout the day. You can find several local fruit delivery service companies online such as Fruidel.
Encourage your employees to take their lunch breaks
Often times employees will attempt to increase their productivity by working through their lunch, and although this can be viewed as commendable, it’s often counterproductive. Many studies have shown that employees who work through their lunch break have a far less productive afternoon than employees who do take their lunch breaks.
Providing a clean and inviting eating area will encourage employees to take the time needed to eat a healthy lunch that will help them stay productive and focused throughout the workday. Its also a good idea to discourage employees from eating at their desks. This not only encourages employees to give themselves a needed break, it also can help to keep the office area clean as well.
With a combination of the above, you’re sure to end up with staff that know how much you value their well being, and who may make healthier choices as a result.
