AffordabilityA lunchroom can be as simple as a table and chairs placed away from other desks or off the sales floor with somewhere to wash dishes afterwards. An ideal staff lunch room is located where it will not disturb people working, has a sink, electric kettle, small refrigerator, toaster oven or microwave and dishes for staff use. Cost savingsA happy and healthy employee is a more productive one. You may have to make a small investment in time and money to establish an eating area and a culture of conscious eating, but the payoff comes in attracting and keeping good employees. Environmental considerationsAn eating area and some small appliances for food preparation are great incentives for staff to bring a lunch to work and save take-out dishes. Having a supply of reusable containers available for employees will further reduce the use of disposable take away dishes. Consider giving your employees reusable coffee cups with the company name on them as a way to reduce waste while marketing your business.
What you need to know- Good digestion is key to good health and begins with healthy eating habits. Taking time to sit with good posture, to chew and to savour food, is widely acknowledged as necessary part of physical and mental health.
- People who don't eat regular meals tend to burn out more easily and therefore become less productive overall.
- Allowing people to take breaks where they are not at their desks or being interrupted by customers or other work related activity, will bring them back to their tasks fresher than after trying to eat or take a break with constant interruption.
- Taking measures to support good health practices among staff can help keep them from getting sick.
- For many qualified individuals deciding among various work options, the work environment and culture is a key part of the employment package. With high staff morale and health, you are more likely to recruit and retain the best employees. In addition, a healthy workplace will inspire employees to work harder to remain part of your winning team.
Taking it further- There is a growing gastronomic association, called the Slow Food movement, which started in 1986 and works to inspire a re-enjoyment and connection to food and agriculture, for physical, mental, economic and environmental health.
- Holding special events like guest speakers or a film on a lunch break a few times a year can be a festive way to build community and morale among staff.
- If your space allows for it, consider starting a or having window box gardens. You can grow herbs and edible flowers in the spring and summer for employees to spice up their lunches.
- Work with local restaurants to arrange a small discount for your staff. This can encourage staff to take breaks and to choose local restaurants over fast food outlets.
FAQI run a retail shop, so we cannot close our doors at lunchtime. What is the advantage of using up valuable space to make a lunchroom if my staff would not be able to eat together anyway?
Having a place where staff can sit down to eat is still a healthy choice, even if their breaks are staggered. An eating space or lunchroom does not have to take up too much space, especially if it is only to accommodate one or two people at a time. The essentials are a table, chairs and a sink. Making the space inviting will make it more likely to get used. Having staff who are well fed, who get regular breaks and who are healthy will boost their energy and attentiveness on the job. What about staff who like to leave at lunch to get some fresh air and a break from the office?
If your staff is leaving the premises and going somewhere to sit and eat, that is a healthy choice on their part. It is still great to develop an inviting place where people can eat and relax without being interrupted by work concerns, for times when they choose to stay on the premises. Wherever they want to be, encourage them to take their time as a break – and to use part of it to savour their food.
| |
Learn more about healthy eating and other ways to improve health in your workplace.
|
