New Study Shows that Employees Struggle to Eat Healthy in the Workplace
With warmer weather finally here, company employees are quickly trying to shed unwanted winter weight to head to the beach. But a new study suggests that unhealthy snacks lingering around the office are derailing employees’ efforts to stay healthy.
The Peapod Biz Bites Survey, a study investigating workplace eating habits sponsored by Peapod Business Delivery, shows that approximately 2 out of 3 employees (63%) find it a challenge to eat healthy in the workplace. What’s more, only 7% of respondents claimed to eat healthier in the office than at home. Workers cite unhealthy snack options as the number one obstacle to eating healthy while at work.
“One of the best ways to support healthy lifestyles in the workplace is also one of the easiest,” says Cathy Leman, a Chicago-area registered dietitian and certified personal trainer who provides worksite nutrition services to local corporations and businesses. “When you control the environment that you spend 8 plus hours per day in, you automatically set yourself up for success. That means stocking the break room with healthy, accessible snack foods. Offer a variety of choices like fresh and dried fruit, yogurt, whole grain crackers, nuts, raw veggies with lowfat dip, hummus and baked pita chips, and oatmeal raisin cookies. Many of my corporate clients use Peapod Business Delivery for the convenience, but also because they know productive employees require healthy fuel!”
Findings from The Peapod Biz Bites Survey show that there are major disparities in the workplace between what people want and what they are getting.
- Nearly half of employees (47%) cite having too many tempting snack options in their workplaces as the top reason they are not able to eat healthy in the workplace
- Less than 3 out of 10 employees (28%) claim that they are fully satisfied with the amount of healthy snack options provided to them in the workplace
- The #1 food employees want in the workplace is fresh produce; however only 36% of companies that provide food for employees regularly purchase fruits and vegetables
- The least desired food item that employees want in the workplace is candy; yet 1 out of 3 businesses (35%) provide candy for their employees on a regular basis
Survey findings also show that employees whose companies use grocery delivery services such as Peapod Business Delivery, eat the healthiest while at work. Out of these respondents, more than half (54%) said they were satisfied with the amount of healthy food options their office provides for them. However, only 14% of respondents whose offices used other means to provide food in the office, claimed to be satisfied with the amount of healthy food options provided for them.
“More and more businesses (over 3000) are starting to rely on Peapod to provide their employees with a healthy balance of food options,” says Peapod President, Andrew Parkinson. “We carry thousands of grocery items, from soda and cold cuts to yogurt and paper towels. Interestingly, one of the most popular items for our workplace customers is our new best of the season fruit basket. “