Eating well matters. We hear that quite often in its many variations.

Nourish your body and your soul

You are what you eat

Healthy eating means healthy living

Because if we don't care about what goes into our bodies, it can adversely affect our lives, including our careers.

Have you ever considered how nutrition is vital to your earning potential?

As we've seen in the past decade, employers have a crucial role in promoting employee wellness. In an effort to combat the cost of ill employees, many employers have initiated wellness programs.

From medical aid and mental healthcare hotlines to smoothies and gym memberships, employers are starting to see the value of ensuring their staff lead healthy, meaningful lives. This proactivity not only benefits the individuals but also contributes to the overall success of the business.

The belief is that if one nourishes their body and soul, the same done unto them will be unto you.

Spending all day focused or behind a computer screen can make you hungry.

I am sure we all have these co-workers: the one who eats their breakfast at 8 am without fail, the one who warms up their lunch at 11:58, and the one who nibbly after their lunch break ... you can work up an appetite at your job.

The science backs this up, too: Eating well can make your lifestyle healthier. Health is wealth, and nutrition truly does matter.

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Here's why:

Lower healthcare costs, reducing chronic illness

Around 1 in 5 South Africans are afflicted by more than one comorbidity or chronic illness. With increased awareness could come a rise in diagnosis, so it's only a matter of time before this number inflates. Emphasising eating well alleviates health concerns for those with chronic illness and creates a culture of taking care of one's health.

Prevention is better than the cure. Group medical aid schemes, wellness-focused initiatives, and regular sessions focusing on individual health can improve your organisation's health.

An apple doesn't just keep the doctor away; it keeps the flow going in your company!

Chows can help with productivity

The science and personal evidence behind this is undeniable. Productivity will take a knock if you're hungry, focused on food, or sluggish from bad eating habits. Proper nutrition improves cognitive function and concentration, providing energy throughout the day. A well-balanced diet helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes.

There are a plethora of benefits for employees and employers:

• Overall health
• Reducing absenteeism due to illness
• Increasing engagement
• Motivation

Retention strategies - Reduce the costs from high turnover rates

I am not just talking about the popcorn or doughnuts you provide staff as an occasional treat. If employees see that their health means something to their employer, they will likely stay.

Over the last couple of years, high staff turnover has plagued employers across industries. From the global political instability to the rising cost of living, what once kept people in their jobs is no longer to be found.

There is a list of expenses that could throw a spanner in the works for employers:

• Talent-search costs - Recruitment/HR spends hours searching for a replacement
• Onboarding - the time/resources used to onboard staff can lead to severe financial impacts

According to Linkedin, Indeed and other professional social media platforms, job seekers look for employers who value their individual needs and ensure a healthy work environment, including a focus on healthy eating.

Internal campaigns and staff initiatives surrounding healthy, balanced eating can attract talent.

Breaking the cycle - providing information

Only some people have access to sound nutritional education. Many individuals, particularly those from underserved communities, may lack the resources to make informed diet decisions.

And with all the misinformation floating around the internet, it can be challenging to decipher what's real and what's fake news.

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Employers can take control. And empower their staff to make the right decisions about their eating habits.

This article isn't a replacement for seeking professional advice from registered health providers. But for employers out there, it's undeniably essential to promote good eating habits not just for the health of your employees but also for ensuring future success in your business.

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