A great workplace starts with healthy employees. Plus, there is a strong connection between happiness and nutrition. Why not make work a healthier, happier place to be, one step at a time? We’re here to help.
Many organizations have committed to a healthy workplace, and wellness programs continue to flourish in businesses of all sizes. However, even with strides in tech-based wellness initiatives and other fancy programs, nutrition is a fundamental piece of wellness. Don’t leave nutrition-based education to personal trainers, dieticians, and nutritionists. A lifestyle focused on happiness and nutrition can start at home and at work.
The Connection Between Happiness and Nutrition
There are volumes of research on this topic, but a New York Times article, How Food May Improve Your Mood (2021) stated, “Large population studies, too, have found that people who eat a lot of nutrient-dense foods report less depression and greater levels of happiness and mental well-being. One such study, from 2016, that followed 12,400 people for about seven years found that those who increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables during the study period rated themselves substantially higher on questionnaires about their general levels of happiness and life satisfaction.”
Better moods, clearer thinking, happier employees… we think that sounds like a recipe for workplace success! Here are some ideas to make work a little fresher! Here are some ideas for showcasing wellness and reaping the benefits of happiness and nutrition – at work and at home!
Start a Garden
According to Gardening Know How, gardening at work has many benefits, potentially improving the mental, physical, and emotional health of employees. It is also a fun team-building exercise to incorporate happiness and nutrition in the workplace.
“Working side-by-side in a shared company garden eases the tension between upper management and employees. It fosters social interactions, teamwork, and cooperation. A corporate garden improves a company’s image. It demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.”
“Donating fresh produce to a local food bank strengthens a company’s ties to community. Additionally, green space and interactive landscaping is an attractive feature for potential employees.”
Fire Up Those Brains
We’ve all heard of “brain food.” However, we tend to hear this more often about what students should eat before a test. We want employees to fuel their brains, too! From berries to greens to nuts to coffee – remind everyone that both happiness and nutrition actively fuels our cognition, moods, memory, and more – all critical in high-performing environments.
Incorporate Healthy Snacks at Work
One easy way to promote nutrition in the workplace is by providing healthy snacks. Offering fruits, nuts, yogurt, and whole grains not only fuels employees throughout the day but also sends a message that the company values their well-being. Small changes, such as swapping out processed snacks for healthier alternatives, can make a big difference in both productivity and employee satisfaction.
Host Lunch-and-Learn Sessions
Consider hosting lunch-and-learn sessions focused on the connection between happiness and nutrition. Invite guest speakers, such as dietitians, or leverage internal resources to discuss the importance of eating well. These sessions can inspire employees to make healthier choices both at work and at home, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout the organization.
Other Ideas Include:
*Offer fruits and vegetables gift certificates as workplace appreciation gifts!
*Create a healthy eating group where people can share recipes, inspiration and success stories.
*Provide meeting snacks that offer nutritional value. Mixed nuts, string cheese, pita and hummus? Yes, please!
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Apple Photo by Shelley Pauls on Unsplash
Lettuce Photo by Dan Cristian Pădureț on Unsplash
