Eating Well on the Job
Most telecommunicators probably want to eat healthy, but many may find it challenging. Long hours, lots of sitting, and a stressful job can make unhealthy snacks seem more tempting. And busy employees may struggle with finding time to prepare healthy meals and snacks and choose convenience options instead.
Call centers can't change employees' eating habits completely. But it is possible to help make good nutrition choices more available and appealing. Here are some steps you can take to make your call center a place that encourages healthy eating.
Vending machines
DO choose healthy snacks. Many companies now offer vending machines with healthier options like dried fruit and nuts and nutrition bars. Convenient food doesn't have to be unhealthy.
DON'T limit options to the usual chips and cookies, or at least offer alternatives. They may not plan to, but many telecommunicators probably get a lot of their daily nutrition from call center vending machines, so what is in the machines can make a difference.
Group events
DO offer fruits and vegetable snacks. Bring healthy options to meetings, trainings, celebrations, and other gatherings, and encourage others to do the same.
DON'T rely too much on sweets and other comfort food as a management tool. Healthy snacks work just as well as treats to make gatherings more enjoyable.
Employee support
DO create a culture of healthy eating. Draw on the skill of talented cooks and nutrition enthusiasts already on your staff, and work with your Employee Advisory Board to create recipe contests, tastings, and other events that help employees support each other.
DON'T work against what is already going on. If employees are connecting over food and drink, nudge them toward healthier choices, but don't shame or judge.
