Workplace Nutrition: The Secret to a More Productive Team

With Brits becoming more health conscious, workplace nutrition and break cultures are becoming more important than ever. It’s a fact that eating affects performance, so it’s no surprise that health trends indicate that British consumers favour food that is fresh, natural, and free from artificial ingredients.

The workplace is often described as a priority environment to influence dietary behaviours, considering that individuals can spend two-thirds of their day at work. With that in mind, it’s time to reassess the food you offer in the workplace. A fresh food vending machine is the perfect way to provide healthy snacks at work and gives employees an excuse to get them away from their desks.

The connection between employee nutrition and productivity is often overlooked. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in shaping our cognitive functions, moods, and energy levels – all crucial elements to being productive. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), optimal nutrition can increase productivity at work by as much as 20%.

1. Mindful Snacking

With hybrid working becoming the new norm, research conducted by Compass Group shows that hybrid workers eat less healthily when at home. But 75% of hybrid workers said they make a conscious effort to eat healthier on office-based days. Providing healthy snacks at work makes it easier for employees to make healthier snacking choices. Instead of stocking up on sugar laden treats that promise energy but result in a sugar crash, make the healthy choice the easy choice. Fresh food, natural yogurt, nuts, and protein bars in a well-stocked fresh food vending machine can keep energy levels up and productivity humming. When grabbing a nutritious snack at work is as convenient as grabbing a mars bar, your teams performance (and mood) will thank you for it.

2.  Hydration is key

A hydration station can also boost productivity. Being as little as 1% dehydrated can tank your productivity levels by as much as 12%. Offering easy to access water coolers in the office not only encourages nutrition-driven performance but also offers a variety of health benefits. Coconut water is also known to help with mild dehydration due to the natural electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium – making it the perfect hydration solution. Stock up your cold drinks vending machine with coconut water to add offer some variety to your employees.

3. Get moving

The NHS states that sitting at a desk for prolonged periods of time can contribute to an increase in obesity and Type II Diabetes, hence why movement breaks are essential to your physical health. Not only are there a plethora of physical health benefits, but physical activity to break up the working day can also improve mental health. Short movements can regulate cortisol, the stress hormone, and activate your parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for relaxation. So, even a quick stroll can work wonders.

Positive office culture that encourages regular breaks are environments that foster creativity, reduces stress, and ultimately show an increase in productivity. The brain, like any muscle, requires time to rest and recharge to prevent mental fatigue. One of the most common productivity techniques is the Pomodoro Technique, which entails taking a 5- minute break after 25 minutes of working to prevent burnout. So, whether it’s stepping away from your desk to stretch your legs or having a quick natter with your colleagues you’ll return to work feeling refreshed and full of focus ready to tackle the next task.

The desk lunch impact

Grabbing a quick sandwich and returning to your desk to answer those emails sounds productive right? Wrong! Multitasking can lead to reduced efficiency, so when you’re munching on your sandwich and checking those emails neither task is getting your full attention. Research shows that 82% end up eating their lunch at their desk during a typical working week.

1. Lead by example

Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping office culture. When those at the top prioritise their wellbeing, it sends a strong message that downtime isn’t only allowed – it’s valued.

2. Flexible breaks policies

Empower your team with a flexible break policy that suits individual rhythms and work schedules. Whether it’s a lunch away from the desk, a quick walk, or a coffee break. Give people the time to recharge in a way that suits their needs.

3. Design a break friendly space

Design a cosy, break-friendly zones with comfy seating and soft lighting to give employees a hub where they can rewire their focus and gather their energy away from their desk. Find out some more about designing a friendly break space in our recent blog.

4. Promote work-life balance

Personal time is just as important as the time you spend at work, so why should your job bleed into your personal time? Limit after hours comms and promote remote or flexible working hours. Balance isn’t a luxury – it’s the fuel to sustain a productive environment.

5. Recognise the value of breaks

It’s scientifically proven that breaks have a positive impact on creativity, mental health and team morale. It’s no longer feasible to shy away from promoting frequent breaks at work. Without breaks, you’re sabotaging your workplace productivity.

The evidence is clear: workplace nutrition and break culture are not workplace luxuries; they are strategic business investments. The modern workplace is evolving, so our approach to employee support must too. As hybrid working becomes the new norm and health consciousness continues to rise amongst British workers, organisations that proactively address workplace nutrition and break culture will gain a more productive workforce.

Implementing fresh food vending solutions and hydration stations to create break-friendly spaces represent more than operational improvements. They signal that employee wellbeing is valued, creating a positive feedback loop that enhances job satisfaction and employee retention. The question is not whether you can afford to invest in workplace wellbeing, but whether you can afford not to.