Health and well-being in the workplace are considered essential factors in maintaining worker productivity, safety, and employee mood. HSE Managers need to make this a priority and go beyond compliance to safeguard both mental and physical well-being. Good nutrition should be encouraged throughout workplaces, playing an important role in the productivity equation. Energy levels, concentration, and general physical health are all boosted through diet.
Some workplaces already integrate nutrition and wellbeing into a workplace health program, educating workers so they can perform their best, while reducing the risk of fatigue-related incidents.
Workplace safety and performance: The role of Nutrition and well-being
Previous studies have shown that poor nutrition has a direct impact on workplace performance. For example, when employees are encouraged to be more physically active, presenteeism is likely to be reduced in workers. This is where employees come to work unwell, thus affecting their productivity and the likelihood of spreading illness across other staff.
According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), improved nutrition can increase productivity by up to 20%, due to its important role in cognitive ability and function, mood, and energy levels. Promoting comprehensive nutrition programs is not just a good initiative; it is a preventive measure against workplace accidents and long-term health risks.
Supporting Women’s Nutrition in the Workplace
Female workers in particular can often have additional nutritional needs, which can be overlooked in generic wellness programs. For example, iron deficiency is more common in women, leading to fatigue and reduced concentration at work. Supporting access to iron-rich foods such as lean meats, legumes, and leafy greens in a workplace canteen provides many benefits.
Many workers, both men and women, benefit from supplements to help sustain energy levels, balance mood, and support overall health. For instance, iron supplements can reduce fatigue for those with low iron levels, while Vitamin D and calcium are important for maintaining bone health. HSE managers can play a significant role by providing educational resources on nutrition, encouraging employees to seek medical advice, and preventing health problems from escalating.
Creating a healthy culture in the workplace
Embedding nutrition and positive well-being into workplaces requires more than one-off initiatives. HSE managers can take a driving role by making healthy eating visible, easily accessible, and encouraging it across all levels of the organisation. Examples include:
- Healthy catering options that serve balanced, healthy meal choices
- on-site or virtual nutrition information and workshops to educate workers about the role diet and nutrition play in performance and well-being
- Encourage regular breaks for hydration and meals, to avoid employees working long hours without stopping
Conclusion
For HSE managers, investing time in worker well-being and nutrition is more than just compliance; it’s a proactive approach that benefits worker performance and productivity. A resilient and safe workplace is created through this recognition and by integrating health-focused practices into everyday routines.
