Workplace of Choice

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!

The sun is shining, the weather is warm and summer is a perfect time to either begin or ‘ramp up' your company's wellness plans.  There are many employee benefits to implementing a wellness program including increase in employee productivity and employee morale.  If you don't have a "Wellness Plan" yet - fear not, wellness is a very subjective term - and any activity that promotes a healthier lifestyle qualifies.  Some easy to implement ideas for you to educate your employees in order to jump start their wellness plans include:

Exercise: Grab a few colleagues and go for a walk around the block, building, campus, etc. on your lunch hour; corral your family after dinner and go for an evening stroll around the neighborhood; play with your kids – remember, a quick game of basketball in the driveway or a bike ride counts as exercise too!

Nutrition: Although it’s hard to pass up all the ice cream flavors at the neighborhood stand, or the plethora of burgers on the grill, this is also a great time to indulge in fresh fruits and vegetables. If you act in moderation, you can have your cake and eat it too… or your grilled zucchini… or strawberries with or without shortcake.

Stress: Even though summer schedules might be busier than ever (yours and your family’s) summer is also a great time to SLOW DOWN – enjoy the extra innings of the ball game, watch the sunset, listen to the gulls over high tide, or hike through an interesting local field or wooded area.

Be mindful: Ticks, mosquitoes, and too much sun are the lurking hazards of this wonderful season so be careful to avoid or address their ills timely!

As you set out to educate your employees, keep in mind of the resources available.  Use your existing benefit plans, as many offer fitness, weight control and smoking cessation benefits. You might already be paying for these peripheral benefits, so you might as well maximize them - call your plan to find out!  Many communities also offer wellness programs and can provide valuable information.

We'll be donning coats again before we know it - ENJOY the summer while it's here!