Healthy living is important for wellbeing, but also for workplace productivity. In this article, Sally Evans, Director of Operations at Making Moves, shares her tips for creating a culture of health among your employees.
As we continue to learn more about the ways that wellbeing inspires productivity, encouraging healthy habits among employees is becoming increasingly important. In fact, studies have shown that eating a consistently unhealthy diet can decrease workplace productivity by up to 66% (Liebert) and that poor nutrition costs the UK approximately £74 billion every year through a combination of lost workforce productivity, NHS costs, and reduced life expectancy (Food Foundation).
By implementing the right strategies, employers can create a culture of health within the workplace that benefits both the employees and the company. Here, I’ll share five of my top tips for encouraging healthier habits at work.
Ordering In
Ordering fast food for lunch and organising post-work beer and pizza parties are popular ways to reward employees for their hard work or provide a morale-boosting treat. But highly processed foods and snacks like these are more likely to make your staff sluggish, and they may even encourage unhealthy eating habits with long-term health implications. Try ordering in some healthier alternatives with fewer, fresher ingredients such as sushi, poke bowls, salads, soups, smoothies, and juices.
Cost
A common barrier to healthy eating is cost, as fresh and healthy snacks are often more expensive than junk food. You can help alleviate this expense for your employees by providing a bowl of fresh fruit, as well as yoghurt, milk, and dairy alternatives in the fridge. Keep the cupboard well stocked with nutritious cereals and snacks that are low in sugar, sodium, and fat, and your employees will be less likely to pop to the shops or the nearest junk food outlet for a pick-me-up.
Exercise
Diet is only one part of being healthy — exercise is just as important, if not more, for your mental and physical wellbeing. Cycle-to-work schemes and other initiatives can get staff to ditch public transport in favour of more physical exercise, while free or subsidised gym memberships can be offered as a perk to encourage regular workouts. Instead of planning socials in the pub or taking everyone out for dinner, you could organise fitness classes, team sports, or trips outdoors. If you have any runners in your employ, why not arrange group marathon training?
Environment
Our working environment can have a huge influence on our decision-making and wellbeing. In a clean, comfortable environment, we may be more likely to make healthier choices such as what to have for lunch or whether to go to the gym on the way home. To encourage a culture of health and fitness, make sure your office is stimulating and well-maintained, boosting productivity with up-to-date equipment, an open-plan layout, and plenty of greenery. You may also want to arrange regular employee health checks in the workplace to keep an eye on how well you are doing.
Break Area
Pay extra attention to your breakroom or lunch area. Is it somewhere people want to spend time? Try to create a welcoming space with plenty of natural light and comfortable seating, and your employees will be more likely to take time for a proper lunch break. This not only encourages slower, more mindful eating compared to snacking at their desk, but it is also a key social aspect of the office and contributes towards a more positive workplace.
We spend the vast proportion of our time at work, so creating an environment that encourages healthy decisions in the workplace can have a wide range of benefits for your employees including increased productivity. The tips in this guide can help you choose which will work best for you.
Featured image by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
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