Food is usually not given much consideration when discussing workplace performance and injury prevention. But what role, if any, does good nutrition play in performing well and preventing injuries at the workplace? You might be surprised to learn that it actually can be a big factor. Nutrition plays an integral role in an employee's ability to work and to work well. When the body receives the right amount of vitamins and minerals, bones are strong which reduces the risk of fractures and breaks. The right diet can also strengthen tendons and ligaments. But that’s not all, the type of food an employee consumes directly impacts not only their physical health but mental focus and overall performance as well.
Proper Employee Nutrition Means...
- Increased Endurance - when a daily diet includes quality carbs, energy levels can be sustained throughout the entire workday. Good nutrition makes it easier for employees to get things done in a timely manner.
- Increased Performance - what an employee eats affects how they do. A positive change in diet yields positive results in health and performance. Employees also perform better when they are fully hydrated.
- Sustained Blood Sugar - large fluctuations in blood sugar can slow reflexes and impair an employee's ability to assess risk. Regular and appropriate food intake has a direct impact on cognitive performance.
- Lowered Risk of Chronic Disease - good nutrition lowers the risk of many chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Healthier employees equals less worker absenteeism and lower job turnover.
Since employees spend so much of their time at work, employers can make a big impact on the health and wellness of their employees through nutritional interventions. A workplace-wide nutrition program encourages healthy eating among all employees. Providing employees with nutrient-rich options coupled with helpful, nutritional information increases the likelihood of better food decisions as a whole.
A few basic tips for eating healthier while working smarter...
- Make a meal plan before getting hungry
- Graze throughout the day, instead of overeating at meal times
- Make healthy snacking easier than unhealthy snacking
Adhering to a healthy, well-balanced diet is crucial to preventing injuries and enhancing performance at the workplace. At ACE Rehab, our skilled team of physical therapists undergoes comprehensive training to assess individuals, enabling them to effectively avoid workplace injuries.
The team at ACE Rehab is here to guide you after an automobile or workplace accident or injury. We will assist you in navigating insurance claims and offer you personalized treatment plans to get you back to your pre-injured self.