Snacking at Work: The Delicious Benefits You Didn't Know You Needed!
Snacking at work has long been a contentious issue. Some people argue that snacking can lead to unhealthy habits and decreased productivity. However, recent research suggests that having snacks and drinks available in the workplace can actually lead to a happier, healthier and more productive workforce. So let's explore the benefits of snacking at work.
Firstly, having snacks and drinks available in the workplace can lead to increased productivity. A recent study conducted by the Journal of Nutrition found that employees who had access to healthy snacks at work reported higher levels of productivity than those who did not. This is because snacking can help to maintain energy levels throughout the day, which can help employees to stay focused and productive. Additionally, providing employees with healthy snacks can also reduce the amount of time spent away from work to purchase food, which can improve overall efficiency.
Snacking can also have a positive impact on employee health. Many people skip breakfast or lunch when they are running late or too busy at work. This can lead to unhealthy eating habits and decreased energy levels. By providing employees with healthy snacks and drinks, employers can encourage their staff to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. This can lead to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. In fact, a study conducted by the American Heart Association found that providing healthy snacks in the workplace can lead to a reduction in employee absenteeism and healthcare costs.
Moreover, having snacks and drinks available in the workplace can also help to create a positive workplace culture. By providing employees with a range of snacks and drinks, employers can demonstrate that they care about their staff's wellbeing. This can help to foster a sense of community and improve employee morale. In fact, a survey conducted by Office Vibe found that 69% of employees who were happy with the snacks provided by their employer also reported being happy with their job overall.
Providing snacks and drinks can also help to attract and retain talent. In today's competitive job market, employers need to offer more than just a competitive salary to attract and retain the best talent. Offering a range of healthy snacks and drinks in the workplace can be a simple and cost-effective way to improve employee satisfaction and loyalty. In fact, a survey conducted by Peapod found that 66% of employees said that access to healthy snacks would influence their decision to stay with a company.
Lastly, snacking can also be a fun and enjoyable way to break up the day. Taking a break to have a snack and chat with colleagues can help to reduce stress and improve employee wellbeing. In fact, a study conducted by the University of Illinois found that socializing during breaks can lead to increased job satisfaction and decreased stress levels.
So there you have it, the benefits of having snacks and drinks at work. By providing employees with a range of healthy snacks and drinks, employers can improve productivity, employee health, workplace culture, talent retention, and employee wellbeing. So, whether you're an employer or an employee, it's worth considering the benefits of snacking at work.
References:
Jenkins DJA, Kendall CWC, Nguyen T, et al. Effect of a healthy snack delivery on markers of metabolic health: A randomised controlled trial. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. 2019; 29(12): 1351-1359.
American Heart Association. Creating a healthy workplace environment: Healthy vending machine options. 2015. Accessed January 2023. https://www.heart.org/-/media/data-import/downloadables/creating-a-healthy-workplace-environment-ucm_303229.pdf
Office Vibe. The state of employee engagement in 2021. 2021. Accessed January 2023. https://officevibe.com/state-of-employee-eng
