Studies have conclusively proven that what we eat, directly affects our mental abilities. This has important significance when it comes to employees in the workforce. If your employees are not eating well, they may lack the energy and persistence to complete their work, not to mention they may even have diminished mental capacity that leads to substandard work and a higher possibility of mistakes. The opposite is true when we eat food that is high in nutritional value and can provide our bodies with the vitamins and minerals that we need. In addition, some studies have shown that eating poorly can even leadto increase risk of anxiety, depression and other serious mental health issues. Employers can help their employees become healthier and increase the productivity in their business, by offering better nutrition. Here is what you need to know about how employers can improve nutrition in the workplace-
– Make nutrition a major focus in the employee wellness program-Your established employee wellness program can go a long way toward educating, your employees about nutrition. You can choose to implement many different programs within your employee wellness program, to help your employees learn about nutrition and see how they can improve their diet. Many businesses have chosen to include: classes and workshops that show employees the importance of nutrition. In addition, cooking classes and demonstrations can show employees how to have better nutrition. You can also use emails or newsletters that focus on various nutritional topics such as: lowering fat, eating more fruit and veggies and making nutritional choices when eating out. You can even include suggested meal plans, within the information that you give out. Finally, you may want to include some sort of reward system that gives an incentive, for healthier eating.
– Revamp the cafeteria-If your business has an onsite cafeteria, then you can help your employees, with their nutrition, by redoing the menu. If your cafeteria is used to serving typical cafeteria fare, then now is the time to revamp what is being served. A licensed dietician can help you determine healthy and yet still good to eat options, to offer your employees. Your employees will appreciate the fact that you are making the effort to help them improve their diet and increase their nutrition. If an onsite cafeteria is not available, then helping your employees make nutritional choices, from other sources, can also be helpful.
– Restock the vending machines-Another way to help your employees make healthier choices, is to make sure that the vending machines, are restocked. Instead of the cookies and candy bars, that are the 3pm pick of your employees, have your vending machine service, replace them with healthier options, such as: fruit, trail mix, nuts, and bottled water. Another great option in a vending machine is bottles of 100% fruit juice, for those who want to gain the nutrition, but are not fond of eating fruit. Your employees who want to eat healthier will appreciate not being tempted by those less then nutritious options.
– Change the company culture-Does your staff meetings include donuts and soda? Do your teams celebrate by bringing in pizza, fried chicken or other unhealthy choices? If this is the company culture within your business, it will be hard to change, but it can be done. Instead of the donut option at your next morning meeting, try replacing it with fresh fruit, granola bars and fruit juice. Try rewarding your employees that are exceptional, by treating them to lunch at a restaurant that offers healthy choices. You want to make sure that whatever happens within your company is reflective of the goal of helping your employees eat more nutritiously.