INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – As Nutrition Month highlights the importance of healthy eating, experts emphasize the role of workplace culture in promoting nutritious choices.
Jennifer Pferrer, Executive Director of the Wellness Council of Indiana, and Olivia Lockard from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, discuss how leadership can influence healthier eating habits at work by offering balanced food options.
“We’re not asking you to get rid of the donuts and the cookies and the cakes, but let’s make sure that there’s fruit and water and protein,” Pferrer suggests, emphasizing the importance of leadership in setting a healthy example.
Pferrer and Lockard stress that company culture plays a significant role in encouraging employees to make healthier food choices.
By modeling healthy behaviors, such as bringing fruits and nuts to work, leaders can set a positive example for their teams. Lockard notes that management should actively participate in creating a balanced food culture by providing healthy alternatives alongside traditional snacks.
This approach allows employees to enjoy treats like donuts while also having access to nutritious options. The discussion also touches on the importance of consistency in promoting healthy eating habits.
Ferrer points out that bringing in healthy options regularly, rather than sporadically, helps establish a lasting culture of wellness.
Practical tips include offering smaller portion sizes, such as cutting bagels in half, and ensuring water is always available, possibly infused with fruit to make it more appealing.
By fostering a workplace environment that balances indulgence with health, companies can influence positive lifestyle changes that extend beyond the office.
