With the shift back to in-person work, it’s important for employers to take extra care with their employees' health. An article on workplace wellness by the World Economic Forum shares how businesses need to consider 360-degree wellness, from work-life balance to physical and mental health support, and additional services like childcare and caregiving. Investing in employee culture and health is essential for workplace productivity and retention, translating to company success.
While many employers are considering changes to their work systems, they might not put much weight into cultivating a healthy food culture at work. One tip on building better employee relationships from LHH notes how some employers have tried in the past to make work “fun” by offering employees free food. However, this tactic didn’t quite build productive relationships between employer and employee. In part, this could be because of the intention behind the strategy. Instead of using free food as a one-off tactic to motivate employees, employers should use it as a tool to support workers’ overall well-being.
To encourage healthier habits, office spaces should actively provide opportunities to eat healthy food. A study by the Journal of Public Health Research found that workspaces that offered nutrition and health interventions saw both short and long-term benefits. These interventions increased nutrition knowledge among employees, as well as improved body mass index and blood biomarkers, resulting in higher productivity and reduced absenteeism. If you are interested in improving workplace productivity, here are some snacks you should stock up on at the office:
Trail mix
A great way to keep a good balance between nutrition and enjoyment is trail mix. The combination of nuts and dried fruits provide a good set of macronutrients — healthy fats, carbohydrates, and protein. Furthermore, nuts can help you stay full between meals, allowing you to stay away from unhealthier options. Trail mix can usually be stored in an airtight container without refrigeration, making it the perfect option to leave in the shared food pantry.
Greek yogurt
Unsweetened Greek yogurt is a snack high in protein and probiotics, which improves digestion and immune system function. It also hosts Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, an essential vitamin for the formation of red blood cells and DNA, on top of supporting the development and function of the nervous system. This helps you stay in tip-top shape at work, preventing anemia and enhancing brain function. Greek yogurt is often sold in small, disposable cups which makes it a low-effort and easy-to-eat option in the office.
Fruit
One of the best options for healthy snacking is fruit. Fruit is loaded with various vitamins and minerals which help provide a boost in energy needed at work. In addition, several fruits like apples, avocados, and pears are good sources of fiber that can benefit you in the long term. My post on “Why You Should Eat (A High-Fiber) Breakfast” shares how eating a breakfast high in fiber can reduce heart disease, lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, lessen inflammation, and substantially lower all-cause mortality. To enhance your snack, you can pair your fruit with oatmeal or whole-grain cereal to leave you more satiated.
Dark chocolate
While chocolate is usually associated with being an unhealthy treat, dark chocolate actually has many health benefits. The health benefits of dark chocolate reported by Insider are that it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, lowers inflammation, and even improves brain function and memory. Moreover, it’s capable of reducing oxidative stress in the body through flavonoids and polyphenols, lowering the potential damage to our cell’s DNA. As an enjoyable treat, eating dark chocolate while at work can also reduce mental stress, helping you stay productive and calm on tough days.