What factors tend to set off poor eating habits among employees?
Stress is probably the No. 1 factor. Today’s workers have a great deal of stress, not only on the job but at home, as well. Many employees are caring for both children and aging parents. The insanity of our schedules makes it difficult to be 100 percent ‘present’ while we are at work. Technology has also created stress. Everyone expects access to you 24-7. Work never really ‘ends’ or at least our minds are on work well into the night. This is emotionally and physically draining. As a result, people are irritable, getting headaches, suffering from mental confusion and impaired decision-making ability. All of these factors will have many long-term consequences on a person’s health. Good nutrition helps buffer these negative effects. What can a company do to reduce stress? Examine your own corporate culture. Do you tell everyone to take a lunch break, but then your managers don’t? Do you give the impression that your top people ‘are at it’ 24-7-365? If so, then you’re not modeling healthy
