If you are planning to stock your organization’s break room with snacks, you are already ahead of the game when it comes to employee satisfaction. A recent survey found that workers are happier with their employer when they have access to free food, compared with workers who cannot partake in such perks.¹

But why stop there?

Having happy employees is a good thing. But having happy, healthy employees is even better. Since nutrition plays a major role in overall wellness, it is a great idea to give your workers the opportunity to make well-informed snack choices.²



Take stock of your break room snacks, then use this handy checklist to stock up on healthy choices for your employees:  

• Choose foods that offer a mix of protein, carbs and healthy fats (such as nuts and seeds).
• Switch out sugar-laden, fat-filled vending machine snacks with healthier options like almonds and protein bars.
• Bring fresh, in-season fruits to the office.
• Have cold, filtered water and ice machines available at all times.
• Encourage employees to learn more about nutritious choices by hanging up posters and distributing educational materials.
• Share healthy recipes and support employees who want to do the same.
• Turn the break room into a fun, competitive arena for healthy eating challenges such as tracking who has eaten the most veggie servings or who has gone the longest without eating processed foods.

Convenience often overshadows healthy choices. Having wholesome snacks in the break room is one way to keep workers from slipping into poor eating habits during a busy workday.

 

¹Malcolm, Hadley. "Study: The Key to Happiness at Work Is Free Snacks." USA Today. September 16, 2015.

²Kohll, Alan. "Eat, Move, Live: 3 Components Of A Healthy Office." Forbes. April 27, 2017.