Written by: Kristine Keykal, M.P.H. | Co-Founder & CEO of AdvantageHealth
Supporting healthy eating and proper hydration in the workplace is not only beneficial for individual employees but also for the overall success of the company. By providing access to nutritious food options, educating employees, encouraging hydration, leading by example, fostering a supportive environment, and soliciting feedback, employers can create a workplace where wellbeing is prioritized and employees can thrive both professionally and personally.
By investing in nutrition and hydration initiatives, companies can create a happier, healthier, and more successful workforce. Below are practical strategies for employers to support nutrition and hydration in the workplace.
Why Nutrition and Hydration Matter:
Boosted Energy and Productivity: Proper nutrition fuels the body and brain, leading to increased energy levels and enhanced cognitive function. Employees who eat healthily are likely to be more productive and focused throughout the workday.
Improved Mood and Morale: Nutrient-rich foods can positively impact mood and mental health, reducing stress and promoting a more positive work environment. Hydration, too, plays a role in maintaining mood stability and cognitive function.
Reduced Absenteeism and Healthcare Costs: A workplace culture that prioritizes health can lead to fewer sick days and lower healthcare expenses for both employees and employers.
How companies can support these initiatives:
1. Provide Healthy Food Options
Stocking the workplace with nutritious snacks and meals can encourage healthier eating habits among employees. Consider offering a variety of options such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole-grain snacks in break rooms or vending machines. Additionally, when catering events or meetings, prioritize healthier menu choices.
2. Educate Employees
Many employees may not fully understand the principles of healthy eating. Organize workshops, seminars, or lunch-and-learns led by nutrition experts to educate employees about the benefits of balanced nutrition and how to make healthier food choices. Providing resources such as pamphlets, posters, or online articles can also reinforce this knowledge.
3. Encourage Hydration
Proper hydration is often overlooked but is essential for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Provide easy access to clean drinking water by installing water coolers or providing reusable water bottles to employees. Encourage regular water breaks throughout the workday, especially in environments where physical activity or high temperatures may increase the risk of dehydration.
4. Lead by Example
Company leadership plays a crucial role in shaping workplace culture. Encourage executives and managers to prioritize their own health and wellness, including making healthy food choices and staying hydrated. When employees see leaders embracing these habits, they're more likely to follow suit.
5. Create a Supportive Environment
Promote a workplace culture that values and supports healthy lifestyle choices. Consider implementing wellness challenges or competitions focused on nutrition and hydration. Provide incentives or rewards for employees who actively participate and achieve their health goals.
6. Solicit Feedback
Regularly seek input from employees about their preferences and needs regarding nutrition and hydration initiatives. Use surveys or suggestion boxes to gather feedback and tailor programs accordingly. Employees are more likely to engage with initiatives that align with their interests and preferences.
AdvantageHealth offers many employee wellness solutions focused on healthy eating and hydration including Health and Wellness coaching, wellness webinars/seminars and wellness challenges.
AdvantageHealth offers many webinars/seminars on this topic including:
Clean Eating – Choosing Foods to Feel Your Best
Cooking Simply: Good Food Fast
Dining Out the Healthy Way
Managing Stress Through Food and Movement
Manning the Supermarket Aisle by Aisle
Menu Plan and Food Prep Like a Boss! How to Save Time and Money
Mood and Food, Using One to Manage the Other!
Recognizing and Overcoming Emotional Eating
Sugar Addiction Questions and Solutions
What is Gut Health & Why Do I Need It?
AdvantageHealth offers many wellness challenges on this topic including:
Slim Down Challenge (12 weeks): Move over Biggest Loser, there’s a new challenge in town! The goal of this program is losing weight, either as individuals or teams. Each individual or team is weighed confidentially, the total weight is recorded each week, and percent of change is calculated. At the final weigh-in, the greatest percentage wins! You can also offer bonus points for completing a weekly food log, or attending a nutrition seminar or group exercise class.
Clean Eating Challenge (21 days or 7 weeks): Clean eating is based on enjoying whole foods – fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins instead of pre-packaged, processed foods or fast food. Participants are given one clean eating challenge each day. If they complete 17 out of the 21 challenges, they win!
Superfood Challenge (3 weeks): Participants will learn what superfoods are as well as include these foods in their diet during the challenge. Participants will also try new recipes, learn how to cook/serve these foods, and discover why these foods are considered “superfoods.”
Rethink Your Drink (4 weeks): During this challenge, you will track your current drinking habits for the first week to discover how healthy or unhealthy they are. For the following three weeks, you will learn about the hidden calories and sugars in drinks and how to replace them with healthier drink options. You will be challenged to cut your sugary beverages in half for three weeks.
Schedule A Consultation
Email Kristine at kkeykal@advantagehealth.com to get started or call 612.823.4470 (select option “1”).
Let Kristine Keykal, M.P.H, co-founder of AdvantageHealth with over 25 years of experience, consult with you on your employee wellness program.
Since 2001, Minnesota-based AdvantageHealth has been delivering award-winning employee wellbeing programs and fitness center design & management throughout the U.S.