Even if your employees eat well at home, many choose convenience over quality when it comes to food in the workplace. Their days are packed with projects, emails and deadlines—seeking out nutritious fare tends to be low on their priority list. As a result, not only does their health suffer, but so does their ability to do their work. That’s why one of the smartest things you can do for your employees is to keep your office stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables. Whether employees snack on chips or carrots may not seem like it affects your company, but their eating habits can directly impact the bottom line. A healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables improves concentration, alertness, problem-solving skills and productivity—all things employees need to successfully get through their workload. It makes sense: Downing a cheeseburger and fries for lunch can lead you feeling sluggish and craving an afternoon nap while a lighter protein-topped salad keeps you full and energized until quitting time. There is also the immune system boost employees will get from all of that healthy, fresh produce. Fruits and vegetables are filled with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that help the body fight colds and other illnesses. They also lower your risk for more serious, chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and more. Not only will your employees enjoy long-term health, but the amount your company spends on medical needs will drop (as will the number of sick days employees take). The best part about this plan is how easy it is. Just hire a local delivery service, such as Hungry Harvest (members of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network can get a $20 credit toward fruit and vegetable delivery through Blue365). It’s the easiest way to supply your office with an assortment of apples, pears, bananas and more. Then pile up the bounty in an open, easily accessible space employees frequently visit, such as the kitchen. For more pointers on how to improve the health of your employees, check out these posts from A Healthier Michigan:
- The Latest Trend for Keeping Employees Happy and Healthy
- Five Trends in Wellness Program Incentives
- Three Ways to Create a Healthier Office Space
Photo credit: Allen Gottfried
