Nutrition in the Workplace – How can Employers help?

There are a variety of benefits that quality nutrition in the workplace can bring, but how can employers promote this?

Whilst you won’t be able to force team members into eating nutritional and healthy food, there are straightforward ways of promoting it. People who feed themselves with nutritional and healthier food are more likely to be productive, healthier and have better levels of efficiency.

The impact of diet on work

If a body is fuelled positively, both physical and mental energy are improved. Unhealthy diets that are filled with empty calories and lots of sugar are more associated with lower productivity that can cause sluggishness. Just by eating fruit and vegetables, creativity and curiosity can be improved, but can also improve positivity and happiness._[1]

The positives of promoting nutrition at work

Aside from the positive effect that healthy food can have on ensuring optimal health, when employers help employees make better decisions with food choices, it has the potential to lead to improved levels of wellness through making better choices._[2]

The demands and pressures of the work environment can have a sizeable impact on an employee’s eating habits. It is common that people will skip breakfast or lunch due to time constraints or a commute, and then slow down later in the day, or make mistakes._[3] Eating snacks like cake, chocolate and crisps may boost energy in the short term but will then cause tiredness and reduce work performance. Whilst a lack of energy may be blamed, work performance is only as good as the last meal or snack that was consumed. This is where an employer can help by encouraging highly nutritional meals and snacks, that will benefit the employee on not only a professional level, but a personal one as well.

At Lyreco, we aim to support our customers with their culture and approach to employee wellbeing through Lyreco Wellness from providing helpful tips to the long-term solutions to improve wellness.

Read our useful guide focusing on the key pillars which shape workplace wellness.

Promoting employee well-being through nutrition is a positive initiative for employers, we have put together some examples of how employers can assist their employees with nutrition whilst they are at work. By implementing these initiatives, employers can create a workplace culture that supports and encourages healthy nutrition choices among employees.

Healthy snack options_[4]

Stock the office with a variety of healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit, nuts, yoghurt and whole grain granola bars
Provide a designated space for employees to store and share healthy snacks

Nutrition workshops_[5]

Organise workshops or seminars on nutrition and healthy eating habits. Invite nutritionists or dietitians to share practical tips and answer questions
Distribute educational materials on nutrition, meal planning and healthy recipes

Nutritional counselling_[6]

Offer access to nutritional counselling services, either in person or virtually, to help employees create personalised dietary plans
Provide subsidies or reimbursements for employees seeking professional nutrition advice

Wellness programs_[7]

Implement comprehensive wellness programs that include nutritional-focused challenges, cooking classes or team-based initiatives
Recognise and reward employees who actively participate and achieve health-related goals

Healthy cafeteria options_[8]

Collaborate with catering services or the office café to offer healthier meal options
Clearly label nutritious choices and provide nutritional information for all menu items

Hydration stations_[9]

Ensure access to clean and fresh water by setting up hydration stations throughout the office
Encourage employees to bring reusable water bottles

Flexible breaks_[10]

Encourage regular breaks for employees to have meals or snacks
Provide spaces where employees can comfortably eat away from their workstations

Fitness facilities_[11]

Consider offering on-site fitness facilities or subsidising gym memberships to promote overall health and wellness
Schedule workout classes or fitness sessions during lunch breaks or before/after working hours

Nutrition challenges_[12]

Organise friendly nutrition challenges, such as a Healthy Recipe Cook-Off to make healthy eating fun and engaging

Desk-side wellness resources_[13]

Share resources like nutrition guides, recipe books or wellness newsletters directly to employees’ desks or email inboxes
Provide links to reputable online resources and apps that promote healthy eating habits

Flexible schedules for meals_[14]

Encourage flexible work schedules that allow employees to take sufficient time for lunch and breaks to prioritise healthy eating
Discourage eating at desks and promote the importance of stepping away to enjoy a proper meal

Corporate discounts_[15]

Establish partnerships with local health food stores, restaurants or meal subscription services to offer discount to employees
Negotiate group rates for nutrition-related services or products

References:

[1]: 3 Ways Your Diet Impacts Work Performance (forbes.com)

[2]: Employee Wellbeing: The Benefits of Healthy Eating! | LinkedIn

[3]: Workers are 40% more likely to skip lunch than they were a year ago – WorkLife

[4]: Healthy food for office workers (yourrefreshments.co.uk)

[5]: Corporate Nutrition Workshops & Programs In The Workplace (atworkwellbeing.co.uk)

[6]: Corporate Wellness – Embracing Nutrition & Functional Medicine

[7]: Corporate Wellness | Jo Meadows Nutrition

[8]: The Importance of Providing Food Options in the Workplace – American Dining Creations (adc-us.com)

[9]: Hydration Station | Workplace Hydration | Work-Fit

[10]: Hybrid workers seek variety and flexibility as lunch break becomes more social event (foodnavigator.com)

[11]: Top 10 Reasons Your Business Needs a Staff Gym | Origin Fitness