Hey there! Have you noticed how many workplaces these days are breaking the mold? Sure, some still have the same old cubicles and water coolers, but others are really shaking things up.
Lots of companies are putting employee wellness front and center, making it part of their perks and benefits. We’re talking gyms, swimming pools, midday nap rooms, and even game arcades right in the office. Pretty cool, huh?
Well, even if your workplace is a bit more “tradish,” your employer can still promote healthful lifestyle choices, including ones that focus on nutrition.
Ah, nutrition! Does that word bring back memories of your high school health science class? Well, Miss Feinstein was right: proper nutrition is essential for our bodies and brains to function. Whether we’re skiing down a mountain or working at our desks, food and drink is what fuels us. (And in case you were a physiology major and/or a real stickler for detail, the air we breathe also counts as fuel.)
So, let’s talk about why nutrition is such a big deal in the workplace:
Peak Productivity
Studies show that what you eat directly affects how you perform, both physically and mentally. A healthy diet equals better productivity. When we eat well, we’re more focused and better able to meet deadlines and nail projects.
Employers can help by offering simple, productivity-boosting snacks like berries, nuts, bananas, and, of course, coffee and tea. (Confession: I love my morning coffee! It’s what’s fueling me as I write this article.) Sharing nutrition guides or tips around the office can also encourage healthful choices.
Better Brains
Your brain is your most valuable asset at work. Good nutrition supports memory, concentration, and problem-solving, making you more productive, and allowing your workday to run more smoothly. Plus, eating well can quiet those distracting hunger pangs, aka “food noise,” that can derail your focus.
Creating lunchtime workshops or “lunch and learn” sessions on healthful eating not only feeds your body with health-promoting nutrition, but also feeds your brain with valuable info. What’s more, noontime events like these can provide the opportunity to socialize with your coworkers—always a good thing! Themed nutrition months can also keep things interesting and educational.
More Energy and Vitality
Food is your body’s fuel. With the right nutrition, you’ll have sustained energy and a spring in your step. Your brain will feel wonderfully clear (heard of brain fog, right?) and capable of tackling whatever’s in store. Complex carbs, lean proteins, and health-promoting fats are the way to go for a steady energy boost.
Healthful snacks are key to maintaining energy levels throughout the day. Employers can stock the break room with veggies and fruits, offer healthful vending machine options, and share tips on packing nutritious meals and snacks for work. Quality nutrition, along with a few other important health practices, will definitely ramp up your mojo!
Fewer Sick Days
A well-nourished body is better equipped to fight off illness, meaning fewer sick days for you and your coworkers. Research shows that getting enough nutrients like protein, B vitamins, and Vitamin C can reduce absenteeism due to illness. (Helpful tip: proper rest also figures into this equation.)
To turn sick days into health days, workplaces can host healthy lifestyle cooking demos, or – here’s something I saw at a company recently – how about starting a fruit and veggie exchange! When your tomato plants give you more tomatoes than you can possibly handle, bring them to work and exchange them for someone else’s overabundance of cucumbers. Everyone wins.
(And by the way, did someone say, “backyard garden?” What a great way to up your nutrition game while getting plenty of exercise, sunshine, and fresh air!)
Improved Morale
Taking care of your body boosts morale, even during tough times. By providing nutritious food options, companies can show employees that they’re valued and cared for, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty.
Be creative! Many companies already have a “walk at lunch” club. How about adding a “healthful eating” group, or a “recipe exchange” club. Designing an employee cookbook featuring healthful recipes can be a fun way to promote nutrition, collaboration, and positivity. Employees can share their favorite health-promoting dishes, and who knows…some recipes might even end up in the cafeteria for everyone to enjoy.
Better Overall Health
Healthful eating habits are the foundation of good health. When workplaces promote nutrition, employees are more likely to make healthful choices both at work and beyond.
Workplace health programs that include nutrition education, fitness classes, and access to healthful food options foster a culture of wellness that extends far beyond the office walls.
There you have it! Investing in nutrition isn’t just good for employees; it’s good for business, too. Employers who promote healthful lifestyle practices in their employees will reap the benefits of boosted workplace productivity, higher company morale, lowered healthcare costs, and increased employee retention. So, grab your glass of carrot juice or mineral water, and let’s toast: here’s to a happier, healthier workplace!
