Posted by Laura Hogan on Wed, Jun 23, 2010 @ 01:08 PM
Today is the kick off for "Take Back Your Lunch", http://theenergyproject.com/takebackyourlunch. The movement was started by The Energy Group, which offers organizations a detailed blueprint for fueling a fully engaged workforce. Why not promote a real lunch break?
Some organizations provide unwritten "permission" to take a lunch, and I mean more than 20 minutes. The average worker takes a 20 minute lunch. Many corporate cultures unknowingly promote a culture where eating while you work at your desk is the "norm". If you work more than 40 hours per week, you are working more than an 8 hour day. It is a long day without a break. The United States has one of the highest rates of obesity, ergonomic issues (i.e. back issues) stemming from sitting at desks and computers all day, not to mention the many stressed employees due to multiple factors from home to work.
Taking a lunch should be a requirement...it just should, unless you need to meet a deadline or need to leave early, etc. The advantages to taking a lunch for employees are many: a mental break away from the many items and details that consume an employee all day long; a physical break from a computer screen; an opportunity to take a walk or exercise; time to socialize with co-workers or friends; and maybe even time to catch up on a book or newspaper. The list could go on.
On the other side of the coin, employers can reap many benefits as well; refocused and re-energized employees when they return to their desk or workspace; reduced ergonomic issues from hunching over a computer or using a mouse for too long; healthier employees who take the time to get physical exercise, which can only lead to lower obesity rates and lower health insurance costs; and a workforce that is happier and a little less stressed out. Why wouldn't a company promote taking a lunch?
The last year and a half has been trying for everyone. We all could use some extra mental health time. Let's give ourselves a break and take time for lunch!
Posted by Nancy Saperstone on Thu, Nov 19, 2009 @ 10:18 AM
As the holidays approach and we prepare to give thanks for what we have, now is also the time to give back. Beyond the obvious benefits, you'll also find that giving back as a company will increase employee morale, employee motivation and can be great for team building. There are many ways your company can give back to the community - here are a few to get you started:
Food or Clothing Drive - Many organizations are always looking for food or clothing donations - contact your local Red Cross or shelter to see how you can help out. Set up a box and a time period for employees to bring in donations. Have fun with it, have departments decorate their box or hold a contest on who can fill their box the fastest.
Toy Drive -Who doesn't love buying and giving toys? A toy drive can collect generic gifts to be given to any child or you can hook up with a local organization so that you can personalize the gifts. Many local organizations will give you a wish list and ages of the children so that you can buy specific toys that you know the children will love. Be mindful, most organizations can only accept toys that are unused and unwrapped in their original packaging.
Community Service Afternoon - plan to close the office for an afternoon and, as a group, volunteer to paint a local shelter, serve at a soup kitchen, or bring cheer to a nursing home or hospital. You'll find that many employees will cherish the opportunity to really get involved and doing it together is a great way to build camaraderie.
Reading Hour - If you are unable to volunteer as a group outside of the office, try bringing the opportunities directly to you. Contact a local school, boys/girls club or afterschool program and invite a group of children into the office. The children would love to learn about the business and get a tour of the office; or host a reading hour where employees read to small groups or individuals.