Staff absences, a low morale, afternoon slumps? These may all have a common cause: deficiencies in nutrition.

An unhealthy diet plays a major role in the development of lifestyle diseases and obesity, which in turn has a negative impact on one’s ability to work optimally and exercise well. It also impacts the level of absenteeism, morale and productivity at work. Some research has shown that gearing the workplace towards healthier lifestyles has many benefits.

You need energy to work productively

Working on an empty stomach is not conducive to being productive. With healthy, well-balanced meals, you can maintain a proper level of energy throughout the day which in turn improves productivity throughout the day. Mid-morning and afternoon slumps, which are often treated with coffee or high-sugar snacks, could be almost eliminated with proper nutrition.

You need well-balanced meals to keep your immune system strong

Healthy meals provide your body with nutrients such as vitamins, mineralsand antioxidants, which are required for a healthy immune system. Using food as a source of these nutrients is a lot more satisfying and generally less expensive than relying on supplements to provide the required amounts each day. With a strong immune system, it’s a lot easier to stay healthy, especially in winter when one may be surrounded by sick colleagues.

Proper nutrition can improve morale

Having healthy, fresh and nutritious food available at work can be a major boost to staff wellness and morale. Not only does access to healthier food options create a sense that management cares for the wellbeing of staff, it further enhances the option to live a healthier lifestyle. Nutrition education is not optimised if employees are not able to make informed decisions about the food they eat.

How colleagues can work together to ensure good nutrition

    • Make a lunch club: If making food at work is possible, make every Monday a lunch club day and decide on a meal such as a salad or a soup that you can all share.
    • Have a buddy: Sticking to healthier changes is a lot easier if you have someone doing it with you. Decide on a few small changes that you both want to make and then implement them, even if it’s just one a week such as decreasing the amount of sugar you each have in your coffee.
    • Find a few colleagues who are keen to start exercising: Knowing that you’re meeting up with colleagues before work for a run or after work for a gym session helps in terms of motivation as you’re more likely to show up if you know they are counting on you. Healthy eating and exercise go hand in hand.
    • Speak to your manager or team leader about replacing a vending machine with a healthier option such as fruit deliveries. Canteen menus can usually also be adapted if there is a request for it.

 

Sources

Financial Mail, 22 October 2014
Sound Bites Nutrition course material and Virgin Active SA blog