The information contained in this article is not intended as legal advice and may no longer be accurate due to changes in the law. Consult NHMA's legal services or your municipal attorney.
Studies have shown snacking at work can improve employee energy levels, concentration, and mood. This doesn’t mean banning cookies or eliminating the occasional dark chocolate treat; everything is fine in moderation. But you can encourage healthy snack choices by making a few small changes in the workplace.
Switch up options.
Replace vending machine items (candy bars) with healthier options (granola bars), if possible. If snacks are offered in a breakroom or kitchen, add a basket of portion-controlled choices (individual trail mix bags) or fresh fruit (bananas or clementines). Make sure snacks are easy to share and easy to eat at a desk or on the go.
Consider hydration.
Hydration is also considered snacking, especially for folks who prefer energy drinks or yogurt smoothies. Workplaces on a budget could make sure a fresh water source (water cooler) is available or replace sodas with seltzers in the kitchen fridge.
Celebration snacks.
Team meeting, birthday celebration, or strategy session? Swap the cookie tray for a fruit platter or chip and dip for veggies and dip. For workplace-wide potlucks, strive for a balance of foods instead of the usual carbohydrate-based casseroles.
Launch a healthy snack club.
Host a lunch and learn session about healthy snacking, then have employees take turns bringing in healthy snacks to share (and showing off their nutrition knowledge). The snack share could be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on the size of your staff and/or interest in the club.
Remember remote employees.
Ask about food allergies and preferences, then send gift cards or vouchers for health-conscious restaurants or stores to remote employees.
Krista Bouchard is a Wellness Coordinator at HealthTrust and a running coach. Laura Jean Whitcomb is the Communications Specialist at HealthTrust and a mother of two snackers.
More than 90% of U.S. adults eat one or more snacks a day. Snacking has even replaced meals — 56% substitute snacks for traditional meals.