A healthy lunch is good for productivity, concentration, and health.

It’s noon! For some workers, it’s time to hit the pause button to enjoy a good meal with colleagues and disconnect for a moment from work. For others, it means quickly eating a bite in front of the computer between two meetings. However, what we eat and how we eat has a significant impact on our workday and our productivity.

A healthy diet is beneficial for our brain

We know that eating healthily is good for the body. But more and more studies show that it is also beneficial for the brain. A study by Harvard Health Publishing indicates that a balanced diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and minimally processed foods, leads to better cognitive health and greater mental resilience.
It is therefore not surprising that a heavy meal can lead to a drop in energy in the afternoon, while a light and healthy lunch allows for tasks that require concentration to be completed. A healthy and light lunch also helps to maintain enough energy in the evening for enjoyable moments with friends or family, or for exercising.

Balanced energy levels

A second important effect of a healthy diet relates to energy management. It is not a sugary boost that allows you to get through the day, but a steady intake of healthy foods.
According to a Harvard Health article on heart health, a healthy diet promotes better cardiovascular fitness. Notably, individuals who eat healthier demonstrate fitness levels comparable to the effect of an additional 1,000 steps per day.

A healthy heart enables better oxygen delivery to the brain. In the office, this translates to:

• less fatigue,
• more endurance,
• and a more stable concentration throughout the day.

This way, you remain active and focused for longer, work more efficiently, and feel more satisfied with your tasks by the end of your workday.

The productivity peak shouldn’t just happen in the morning

We encourage those who consider the noon meal a waste of time to examine its benefits. Of course, productivity figures vary greatly depending on context, individual situations, and the nature of the work, but the general trend reveals interesting insights.
Workers who take a genuine lunch break and prioritize a balanced diet have:

• greater mental clarity in the afternoon,
• less loss of concentration,
• and a smoother workflow in the afternoon.

In other words, a quality lunch promotes mental and physical health. It also strengthens bonds with colleagues, which, in the long run, contributes to increased happiness at work.

Meal Vouchers: A Significant Investment for Increased Productivity and Satisfaction

Promoting healthy choices by offering meal vouchers is a logical and smart investment for employers.

Meal vouchers give workers the freedom to consciously choose to have a healthy meal with their colleagues every day. As an employer, you have the opportunity to contribute to this.

Don’t offer meal vouchers to your employees yet? Become a client or contact us via this link.