3 Strategic Reasons Businesses Need To Prioritize Workplace Nutrition

• Research shows that employees who make poor dietary choices are 66% more likely to be less productive than their health-conscious colleagues.
• Due to the correlation between vital nutrients and optimal brain function, healthy eating habits are associated with enhanced alertness, focus, and productivity at work.
• Implementing robust workplace nutrition initiatives is a wise investment that promises returns in improved employee health, increased organizational productivity, enhanced job satisfaction, greater engagement, and reduced absenteeism.

Increasing media attention on the popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic over the past year has raised concerns about costs for workplace insurance plans. It seems likely that many workplaces may limit or exclude coverage, but is healthcare coverage actually the biggest cost associated with workplace health problems? 

No. 

Experts report that lost productivity costs employers two to three times more than annual health care expenses. So what’s the biggest health issue that causes lost productivity? Poor nutrition. 

Most employers focus more on weight-loss programs than they do on nutritional support or education, and, given the productivity statistics, that’s clearly to their detriment. 

Here’s why nutrition matters so much in the workplace, and how companies can strategically address the issue in ways that benefit both employees and their bottom line. 

The Dangers of Poor Nutrition

Achieving optimal health and a robust immune system requires individuals to consume a nutritious, balanced diet, the World Health Organization confirms.

It’s true that a well-nourished workforce experiences numerous benefits, including enhanced cognition, increased energy levels, and improved overall health. 

Developing healthy eating patterns is essential for managing weight, sustaining energy levels, and supporting mental health balance. Numerous studies underscore that a healthy diet reduces the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. 

Despite the alarming statistics surrounding the hazards of unhealthy diets, many individuals struggle to adhere to healthy eating guidelines — due to time constraints, lack of food education, and motivation.

The impact different foods have on energy levels and productivity thus highlights the importance of making mindful dietary choices tailored to one’s work schedule and demands.

Why Nutrition Matters for Success in the Future of Work

Essential nutrients are crucial for optimal brain function, promoting greater alertness, focus, and productivity. Prioritizing nutrient-rich foods for both body and mind optimizes performance at work — while specific nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants support brain health and cognitive function. 

Nutritional psychologists emphasize the connection between diet and mental wellbeing, with research indicating that adequate nutrient intake throughout the day can reduce anxiety and enhance mood. 

Prioritizing healthy eating can enable organizations to boost employee morale, productivity, and overall performance. Providing nutritious food options and supportive dining environments tailored to the workforce’s needs is essential for success in the future of work.. 

While snacks are often associated with unhealthy choices, selecting brain-boosting snacks, including wholesome options like blueberries, dark chocolate, unsalted nuts, and pumpkin seeds, can improve focus and cognitive function. 

Additionally, remaining hydrated and moderating caffeine intake throughout the day can curb hunger and support a healthy metabolism.

The Financial and Health Implications of Poor Nutrition

Employees with unhealthy dietary habits are statistically more prone to decreased productivity, resulting in missed business outcomes and productivity losses due to poor health. Inadequate nutrition, marked by insufficient intake of essential macronutrients and micronutrients, can lead to malnutrition and various physical ailments, including chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Furthermore, compromised immunity from nutritional deficiencies increases susceptibility to illness, contributing to higher absenteeism rates and prolonged recovery periods. Consumption of foods high in salt, sugar, saturated fats, and ultra-processed ingredients escalates the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and cancer, resulting in higher healthcare costs for companies.

Research indicates that employees who consistently make poor food choices are 66% more likely to be less productive than those who choose healthy options. The significant costs associated with poor employee nutrition highlight how inadequate dietary habits undermine productivity and impede growth. 

Ray Merrill, a professor in the Department of Health Science at Brigham Young University, directly correlates health-related employee productivity losses with missed business outcomes: “Total health-related employee productivity loss accounts for 77% of all such loss and costs employers two to three times more than annual health care expenses.”

Consuming unhealthy food and drinks during work, such as excessive coffee, energy drinks, and sugary snacks (including cereal bars) can lead to nervousness, irritability, dehydration, decreased mental performance, and energy crashes, ultimately reducing productivity. Additionally, employees in safety-sensitive environments face increased risks of accidents and injuries when experiencing fatigue related to poor diet.

Integrating Nutritional Services into Workspaces

Amid the strain of the cost-of-living crisis, companies can mitigate staff absences by providing nutritious food or heavily subsidizing nutrition. The impact of inadequate employee nutrition can extend beyond absenteeism, affecting healthcare costs and organizational performance; however, investing in nutrition programs can help businesses reduce health-related expenses and enhance employee wellbeing, productivity and retention.

These programs encompass educational resources, healthy food provision, and counseling sessions and generally provide employees with nutrition education, work-free food breaks, nutrition challenges, meal planning instruction, community engagement, and personalized wellness goals. 

Regular “lunch and learns” (in-person and virtual) can help foster a healthy eating culture and empower employees to make positive food choices, whether working remotely or in the office. The most effective corporate nutrition programs often encourage mindful eating, support achievable, sustainable improvements in employees’ dietary habits and are able to measure success through regular feedback surveys and by assessing health metrics, productivity, and turnover rates before and after implementing any initiative.

Strategies to promote good nutrition include offering healthy snacks and providing nutritional labeling in cafeterias and vending machines. Additionally, nutrition programs often feature workshops and seminars on healthy eating, customized food plans, and stress management. 

Access to professional nutritionists and dieticians ensures personalized guidance and support, integrated with comprehensive wellness platforms such as  Nutrium Care (used by big companies such as Vodafone).

Investing in corporate nutrition initiatives demonstrates an active commitment to employee wellbeing and appeals to health-conscious professionals. However, promoting workplace nutrition and achieving genuine progress toward improved staff health requires an inclusive approach accommodating diverse dietary needs and restrictions.

The Benefits of Investing in Workplace Nutrition Programs

Implementing comprehensive nutrition programs demonstrates a commitment to staff wellbeing, empowering the workforce to make positive dietary choices, driving organizational productivity, enhancing job satisfaction and engagement, and mitigating absenteeism.

Employee Health Benefits:

Optimal nutrition enables employees to enjoy increased cognitive function, concentration, energy levels, and motivation — while balanced diets reduce the likelihood of fatigue, headaches, and stress, leading to higher job satisfaction and engagement. 

Additionally, good nutrition supports mental health, aiding stress management; research shows that diets high in vegetables, fruits, unprocessed grains, fish, and seafood can reduce the risk of depression by 25% to 35%. 

Corporate nutrition programs also support weight loss by providing inclusive, personalized support for effective weight management, promoting healthier lifestyles, and reducing chronic disease risks.

Three Key Benefits for Businesses:

1. Becoming an Employer of Choice: Investing in workplace nutrition enhances recruitment appeal, especially for health-conscious professionals prioritizing physical and mental wellness. KPMG research reveals that one-third of Gen Z and Millennials would decline a job offer if a company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies did not align with their values. Workplace nutrition initiatives attract talent and signal a forward-thinking approach, fostering long-term loyalty and demonstrating commitment to employees’ wellbeing and healthy lifestyles.
2. Enhanced Employee Wellbeing and Satisfaction: Nutrition-focused corporate wellness programs have tangible benefits for employee wellbeing and job satisfaction. Aflac WorkForces research indicates that participants in wellness initiatives report higher job satisfaction and fewer sick days, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. These programs also contribute significantly to mental health management, with employer-sponsored training instrumental in stress management.
3. Increased Productivity and Retention: Promoting healthy eating habits boosts organizational productivity. Research from Brigham Young University demonstrates that investing in nutrition and wellness reduces absenteeism and healthcare costs while enhancing efficiency. Corporate nutrition programs can also raise employees’ sense of support and belonging — contributing to improved retention.

Overall, corporate nutrition programs represent a worthwhile investment for companies aiming to enhance employee wellbeing and capitalize on the benefits of fostering a healthier, more efficient workforce.