commonplace in most of our workplaces.
And the result isn’t good – data from
the Health Enhancement Research
Organisation shows that employees who
eat healthily are 25 per cent more likely to
perform at a high level compared to those
who indulge in the not-so-good fodder.
Companies should really be encouraging
sta to eat more healthily because it’s
much better for business, say experts.
It’s even thought that employees who
have the right lunch are more productive
in the afternoon and take less sick leave.
An even simpler solution for businesses
is to provide fruit for workers – a low-in-
kilojoules, healthy snack that helps workers
UPSIZE GOOD FOOD
Guilty of grabbing unhealthy fast food
for lunch when you’re rushed, or picking
up some chocolate to help get you through
a stressful day? The food you eat a ects
how well you work plus your overall health.
Saturated and trans fats, sugar and salt
have all been found to play a role in the
development of chronic diseases such as
obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease
and some cancers. With so much of our
time spent at work, the food on o er should
have a whole lot of importance placed on it.
Unfortunately, not all o ce spaces
o er healthy food choices – salt-packed
vending machines and cake breaks are
consume their fi ve-a-day. Send the link for
thefruitbox.com.au your boss’s way – it’s
a workplace fruit delivery service starting
from $19.80 per week to most capital cities.
CHALLENGE
YOUR TEAM
How well do you know your colleagues?
If the answer is “not well”, it may be time
to change that. Getting along with your
co-workers is good for business and it’s also
good news for your mental health, as you’re
unlikely to be super happy if you have few
friends in the place where you spend
most of your time. And a recent study by
economists at the University of Warwick in
Desk essentials
Don’t be caught on the job
without them
MEDITATION
A meditation session might only
take a few minutes, but it could be
just what the doctor ordered to help
you refocus. Try the Headspace
Guided Meditation and Mindfulness
app (free from iTunes).
UNI-TASKING
Instead of multitasking, as it can
reduce productivity by up to
40 per cent. Plan your day and focus
your attention on one task at a time.
By prioritising jobs, you’ll perform
far more e ectively.
MINDFUL EATING
Chew with intention. Create an
awareness of how your body and
mind are feeling, or if you’re using
food to satisfy your needs. Before
snacking, ask yourself whether you’re
physically hungry or just stressed.
