It’s been said many times: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly transformed the way we work, with remote work becoming the new norm for many employees. As companies are beginning to consider the return to the office, the transition can be challenging for both employers and employees, as they navigate the need for a safe and productive work environment. One strategy that companies can employ to ease this transition is offering healthy snacks as perks to employees. This article explores the benefits of providing healthy snacks in the workplace and how it can boost productivity and overall employee satisfaction.

The Shift to Remote Work and the Need for a Smooth Transition

The COVID-19 pandemic forced companies around the world to quickly adapt to remote work. Employees had to adjust to working from home, often facing challenges such as blurred boundaries between work and personal life, increased distractions, and the loss of social interactions with colleagues. However, as the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, companies are now considering the return to the office. This transition requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a smooth and successful reintroduction to the workplace.

The Role of Healthy Snacks as Perks in the Return to the Office

As companies plan for the return to the office, it is important to prioritize employee satisfaction and well-being. Offering healthy snacks as perks can play a significant role in creating a positive work environment and boosting employee morale. Healthy snacks provide employees with nourishment and energy throughout the day, leading to improved focus, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

The Link Between Healthy Snacks and Productivity

Numerous studies have shown a strong connection between nutrition and cognitive performance. When employees have access to healthy snacks in the workplace, they are more likely to make nutritious choices that can enhance their brain function and productivity. Nutrient-rich snacks, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support brain health and optimal cognitive function.

A study conducted by the University of Otago found that eating fruits and vegetables was associated with increased happiness, well-being, and productivity. Another study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology revealed that employees who consumed more fruits and vegetables reported higher levels of creativity, engagement, and satisfaction with their work.

By offering healthy snacks as perks, employers can encourage their employees to make healthier choices, leading to improved cognitive function, focus, and overall job performance.

The Impact of Healthy Snacks on Employee Satisfaction

Employee satisfaction is crucial for maintaining a positive work environment and retaining top talent. Providing healthy snacks as perks shows that employers care about the well-being of their employees, which can contribute to higher job satisfaction and loyalty.

A survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 80% of employees considered workplace wellness programs, including the provision of healthy snacks, as an important factor in choosing an employer. Moreover, the same survey revealed that employees who had access to healthy snacks and wellness programs reported higher levels of job satisfaction and were more likely to recommend their company as a great place to work.

By offering healthy snacks as perks, employers can create a positive workplace culture that promotes employee satisfaction and well-being.

Strategies for Implementing Healthy Snacks as Perks

Implementing a healthy snacks program in the workplace requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some strategies to effectively introduce healthy snacks as perks to employees:

1. Conduct Employee Surveys and Assess Preferences

Before implementing a healthy snacks program, it is important to understand the preferences and dietary needs of employees. Conducting surveys or focus groups can provide valuable insights into the types of snacks employees prefer, whether they have any dietary restrictions, and any specific health goals they may have. This information will help in selecting a variety of snacks that cater to different tastes and dietary requirements.

2. Choose Nutritious and Diverse Snack Options

When selecting snacks to offer, opt for nutritious options that provide a balance of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grain snacks, and protein-rich options. This diversity ensures that employees have access to a wide range of nutrients and can choose snacks that align with their personal preferences and dietary needs.

3. Consider Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

It is essential to consider any allergies or dietary restrictions among employees when selecting snacks. Ensure that there are options available for individuals with common allergies such as gluten, dairy, or nuts. Labeling the snacks clearly with ingredient information can help employees make informed choices and prevent any allergic reactions.

4. Promote Mindful Snacking and Education

Encourage employees to practice mindful snacking by providing educational resources on the benefits of healthy eating and tips for making nutritious choices. Consider organizing workshops or lunch-and-learn sessions on topics such as healthy snacking, meal planning, and the importance of balanced nutrition. This promotes a culture of wellness and empowers employees to make informed choices about their nutrition.

5. Create a Dedicated Snack Area

Designate a specific area in the office where employees can access the healthy snacks. This area should be easily accessible and well-stocked to ensure employees can enjoy their snacks throughout the day. Consider providing refrigeration for perishable snacks and a variety of storage options for non-perishable items.

6. Regularly Evaluate and Update Snack Offerings

Periodically assess the success of the healthy snacks program by gathering feedback from employees and tracking snack consumption. Use this information to make adjustments and introduce new snack options based on employee preferences and changing dietary trends. Regularly refreshing the snack offerings keeps employees engaged and excited about the program.

As companies navigate the return to the office, it is crucial to prioritize employee satisfaction and well-being. Offering healthy snacks as perks can play a significant role in creating a positive work environment and boosting productivity. Nutrient-rich snacks provide employees with the necessary fuel to enhance cognitive function and focus, leading to improved job performance. Moreover, providing healthy snacks demonstrates a commitment to employee wellness, fostering a positive workplace culture that promotes job satisfaction and loyalty. By implementing strategies for offering healthy snacks, companies can create a successful transition back to the office and support the overall well-being of their employees.

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This is Part 3 of a 3-part Series: The Non-negotiables of a Breakroom.

Creating a modern, inviting breakroom for employees is essential for maintaining an efficient, productive workplace. You first have to ask yourself, what is the point of a breakroom?  A break room is a designated area where employees can take a break from their daily tasks. It is a place where they can socialize with co-workers and relax. A break room allows workers to re-energize and refresh. It can also be used as a space to collaborate, share ideas, and work on projects together.

In talking with some of the experts in the field, there seems to be 3 “must have” aspects to consider when you are creating a break room that employees will love and appreciate. 

Fun

The more serious your work is, the more you need to have fun on your breaks. 

• A great way to unwind and destress is to play games. Pool tables, air hockey, darts and other interactive games can add a greater physical element to sideline stress and help employees regain focus.  
• If space is limited, consider having a community puzzle everyone can work on, or a community white board where a trivia question is posed or a story is started and each person adds a word.
• Decorations for the season, events and holidays; a bulletin board with an employee highlight of the month: favorite foods, pets, family, hobbies.

Functional

Quick – what are the top three things you think when you hear the words “take a break”? 

• Put your feet up and relax
• Have a cup of exceptional, fresh coffee
• Grab a snack or some lunch

If your break room allows for those three, you have yourself a functional break room.  But don’t stop there!  There’s coffee… and then there’s coffee. Is your break room truly a place where people can go to relax, or are there TVs blaring & fluorescent lights glaring? Are the fridge, microwave, and coffee pot clean?  Is it a place where people can enjoy their lunch, helping your employees to “rest & digest”?  Your answers to these questions will help you determine if your break room is serving its intended purpose or not.  
At garten, visual merchandising is a cornerstone of our brand experience. We’ve built our experience to influence healthy and productive decisions, while making it a place where your team can connect, refuel, and relax. We always use the best materials, natural elements, varied textures and eye-catching pieces.  Let us know how we can help you design a functional break room that ticks all the boxes!

reFreshing

Ultimately, if you are not walking away from your break feeling refreshed and ready for another round of work, then there is room for improvement.  We at garten put the emphasis on “fresh”.  You can’t “re” fresh without it.  And, when we think fresh, we think of food.  You have to ask yourself if the snacks available in the break room are reflecting this ideal.  When your employees eat from the food that is available, will they tank 90 minutes later?  Will their blood sugar crash from the rushed energy buzz they get from over-processed, sugar high carbs?  Or will they stay steady through the afternoon by having a balance of healthy carbs, good fat, and high quality protein?

When we asked, “What are ‘must-haves’ in a Fun, reFreshing, and Functional break room?”, the answer was fresh healthy food providing energy to get through the day.  But variety is also key, keeping the selection fresh and seasonal as well, with great merchandising to draw the eye in and options that are healthier overall.  That’s why, at garten, we are committed to providing the best training for our partners that aligns with the “look and feel” of the vision of the program through 3 different avenues:

1. In-Office Kitchen: One solution for offering employees healthy food during work hours is to have an in-office kitchen. This kitchen can be equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and other appliances that allow employees to prepare their own meals. Having an in-office kitchen also allows for the implementation of a company-wide initiative to reduce processed and unhealthy food options.
2. Catered Meals: Another solution is to offer catered meals for employees during work hours. Garten works with local catering companies that specialize in healthy and nutritious meals. This option can be especially beneficial for companies that have a high employee turnover rate or for those who have employees that work long hours.
3. Employee Education: A third solution is to offer employee education on healthy eating. This can be done through our self-serve garten Experiences platform with workshops, seminars, or online resources. By educating employees on the importance of healthy eating and providing them with the tools and resources they need to make healthier food choices, companies can create a culture of health and wellness.  From a recent nutrition class held, “Janine was well knowledgeable about nutrition and Nuance employees had wonderful feedback!”. 

Overall, by providing employees with these non-negotiable resources, companies can improve employee productivity, reduce absenteeism, and promote a culture of health and wellness. It’s important to remember that different solutions will work better for different companies and it’s important to find the right combination of solutions that work best for your organization and employees.  Let us know how we can help!

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This is Part 1 of a 3-part Series: The Sensible Breakroom.

Break rooms are an essential part of any workplace, allowing employees to take a break and de-stress. But what if you could make them even better? By designing a break room that uses all five senses, as well as the holistic approach to mind, body and environment, you can create a truly unique and multi-sensory environment that boosts productivity and wellbeing in the workplace.
Designing a break room that incorporates all five senses doesn’t have to be difficult.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Sights

Create an inviting environment with natural light and colors that stimulate the senses. 

• Windows & skylights are a plus, but you may be stuck working with what you’ve got.  So, instead of bright fluorescents, have lamps around with soft, ambient lighting. 
  
• You can also add wall hangings and decorations to personalize the space.
  
• Real plants (succulents are easy to keep alive!), and rotating artwork (especially done by employees) can create a fun creative space.

Smells

Incorporate natural scents like lavender, lemon or vanilla to soothe the senses and promote relaxation.  Be careful of using synthetic fragrances, as some are sensitive to those. 

• Open the window if possible to let in fresh air.  Bringing in an air purifier will help keep things fresh as well. 
  
• Try this for getting rid of burnt popcorn smell in microwaves: make a solution of 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of either lemon juice or vinegar in a microwave-safe container. Heat for 2-5 minutes, then wipe clean.
  
• Consider having an aromatherapy area, with blends used to de-stress, energize, or promote emotional health.  Have a small jar for each blend (labeled clearly).  Apply a drop or two of the oil blends on some cotton balls and till the container with them.  Encourage employees to take the cotton balls back to their desks for quick little pick ups throughout the day.

Touch

Make sure the furniture and amenities are comfortable and cozy, so that employees can really relax and recharge.  

• Provide footstools so employees can relieve tension in legs and low back
  
• Get a couple of massage pads that can be placed on the back of chairs
  
• Provide tactile activities that help relieve stress: adult coloring, clay or kinetic sand, stress balls, playing cards, etc. 

Sound

Create a calming atmosphere with low-level background music or natural sounds like birds chirping.  In addition:

• Provide headphones that offer noise canceling so employees can get away from sounds and take a moment in silence for meditation and relaxation. 
  
• Bring in a small counter or table top water feature to not only increase visual relaxation but audible as well. 
  
• Great conversations & laughter is always welcome – have a question or joke of the day posted on the bulletin board that helps people get to know each other and stimulate conversation.  Conversation cards on the tables can also be a fun way to interact with team members and associates. 

Taste

Of all the improvements you can make in your breakroom, this is the most important as it will impact your employees for hours to come.  Provide refreshments and snacks that are easy to access and enjoyable to eat. This can range from teas and coffees to healthy snacks and treats.  Making sure the offerings you have are intentional to give your workers the energy they need to get through the day, to handle the stress that comes with their workload, and to have brains ready to be creative and productive. 

• Good Fats – As noted by the NIH, “The human brain is nearly 60 percent fat. We’ve learned in recent years that fatty acids are among the most crucial molecules that determine your brain’s integrity and ability to perform.”  It is also important for us to avoid oils that were once thought of as “healthy”, but studies are showing they may cause scarring of the arterial wall.  Healthy Nuts, seeds and avocados as snacks are a great way to get this important macronutrient during the work day. 
  
• Good Carbs – yes!  We need carbs for energy, but we have to have the right ones at our fingertips.  When our bodies are tanking, we will start to crave the high carb snack that is the most convenient.  The healthiest sources of carbohydrates—unprocessed or minimally processed whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans—promote good health by delivering vitamins, minerals, fiber, and a host of important phytonutrients. (Harvard School of Public Health)
  
• Good Protein – the building blocks of endurance and strength. Supplying healthy snack power packed with protein will help employees feel nourished and ready to handle the workload ahead of them. If they are easy to grab, all the better.  Think hummus and veggie packs, cheese sticks, jerky, and yogurt.

Why not just let the employee bring in their own lunch or snacks?  Because you care (or you wouldn’t have read this far in the article… )  But, don’t feel like you have to do the heavy lifting yourself!  Companies like garten have been managing the staff break room for years, and are highly skilled at taking the guesswork out of what to provide as well as staying within budget.

The Sensible Solution

By incorporating all five senses in your break room, you can create a truly unique and multi-sensory environment that helps to promote productivity and wellbeing for your employees. With the right design and a few simple touches, you can make your break room the perfect place to step away from the office and recharge.  Take a moment to look around your breakroom – which of the 5 senses are the most in need of improvement?  What one small addition can you make today?

Next up: what are the non-negotiables in a breakroom atmosphere?

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This is Part 1 of a 3-part Series: Break Rooms as Art.

Can a breakroom actually be a thing of beauty?  With an emphatic yes, it is more than possible, it is a non-negotiable.  Here is why:

Employees feel they are valued like a Monalisa 

While 9 out of 10 executives may think their employees feel cared for, the truth is, only 56% employees believe this to be true.  This trend can be reversed with careful consideration of the employee’s needs in a breakroom. 

Morale is boosted and corporate culture is improved

Like any art enthusiast will tell you, it’s all about culture.  Having a place to go to let off steam, create a sense of community, remove a tense vibe and encourage mental breaks will help employees avoid burnout. 

The break room becomes a hub for interaction and collaboration

A creative space will breed creativity and fresh thoughts will brew over fresh coffee.  Make a place where the mind can relax and productivity will flow.  People will gather and share a meal as well as a great idea. 

Employees make more of their break time by staying on-site

As Forbes put it, “Chaining yourself to a desk or scarfing down your lunch in your cubicle isn’t a recipe for success – it’s a recipe for disaster.”  We agree! And for those going out to lunch, there is not much of a break when it’s all said and done.  Creating a great space to relax and eat allows your employees to enjoy more of their break time in a space that shows they are appreciated. 

An impressive meeting space is created for clients and guests

We hear this kind of feedback at garten.  “Other locations come to our site and comment in awe about the variety of healthy snacks they see”, said one manager.  He mentioned that his team is loving the variety that is offered through garten Kitchen. 

In addition to ample choices of high quality, nutritious food, we make sure your break rooms are beautifully stimulating spaces to gather. And then…

Your break room becomes a great selling feature for recruiting new talent

Potential employees would be wise to look for the 3 B’s when assessing a company’s culture and employee value:

Bathroom

How the employee bathroom is maintained says A LOT about how much an employee is valued by the company. 

The Boss’ Office

How does it compare to the general workspace?  If there is a big difference (windows vs. nothing but fluorescent lights), it is sending a message about whether employees are considered to be important contributors, or just cogs in the wheel. 

The Break Room

Does the break room welcome you, inviting you to re-energize and reconnect?  Is it well designed, stocked and maintained? Like a good work of art, does it attract and draw you in through all 5 of your senses?  In part 2 of this series we will go over what it means to have a “sensible” breakroom, including a tip sheet to help you achieve the break room of your dreams. 

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Stress eating is a common problem that affects many people, especially those who spend a significant amount of time at work. According to recent statistics, an estimated 70% of meals are consumed at work, which can have a significant impact on both mental and physical health, as well as productivity and overall well-being.  So, if you have a stressful job, and you have to eat while you are at work, how can you avoid stress eating?

Step One: Choose the Right Foods

Consuming high-calorie, high-fat foods in response to stress can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, consuming large amounts of sugar and unhealthy fats can disrupt the body’s natural hormone balance, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

How do you know what foods will support your mind and body during stressful work days?  It’s helpful to think of foods falling into 5 tiers, or levels of health.  Making the most of your meal times by choosing food mostly in the higher 4 & 5 tiers will be supportive, foods in the bottom tiers will cause you to crash and burn. 

Step Two: Give your Brain a Break

Stress eating can also negatively impact productivity at work. Consuming unhealthy foods can lead to feelings of fatigue, brain fog, and lack of focus, making it difficult to perform tasks effectively. Additionally, stress eating can lead to a lack of motivation and a general sense of apathy, which can impede productivity and make it difficult to meet deadlines and achieve goals.

When you are needing to refuel, step away from your desk.  Sit by a window, go outside, or to the break room if it is a comfortable, stress-free environment.  Eat with mindfulness, focusing on the taste, chewing slowly, and savoring the flavors. Take this time to do some gentle movement, deep breathing, or quiet meditation. 

Step Three: Take it to the Top

Not only does stress eating affect the individual, but it also affects the company’s bottom line. Poor health and productivity can lead to increased absenteeism, higher healthcare costs, and a decrease in overall productivity. This can have a significant impact on the company’s bottom line and its ability to meet its business objectives.  Giving your leadership honest feedback on how they can improve the work environment may just be the missing link. 

Here are some essentials:

Clean, bright, cheerful break rooms with nutritious foods attractively displayed.

Employee input on what foods they would like to have available in vending machines for quick grabs and around the coffee pot for energizing breaks.

Tools to make it easier to manage the budget and demand.

In conclusion, stress eating is a common problem that affects many people at work, and it can have a significant impact on both mental and physical health, as well as productivity and overall well-being. To combat the effects of stress eating, it is important to find healthy ways to manage stress, to have access to healthy food options in the workplace, and to take regular breaks throughout the day. This will not only improve the health and productivity of the individual but also the company’s bottom line.

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Smart employers realize the same is true in the workplace. They are seeing that a small investment to improve the food employees consume at work is a contributing factor to the success of the company. It’s common sense that higher quality food allows people to operate at a higher level, but it’s been hard to track. 

You need proof an investment will work before you pull the trigger. 

The proof is in. 

Why Higher Quality Food At Work Is An Important Strategy

This meta-analysis shows that both medical and absenteeism-related costs decrease (by $3.27 and $2.73 respectively) for every dollar spent on wellness programs. 

That information is amazing. It shows how powerful the health of your workforce is. 

Providing or subsidizing higher-quality food for employees isn’t only a great way to attract and retain top talent, or to be kind to your employees, or even to become a more sustainable company, it also makes you more profitable. 

Tracking The Proof For Your Company

You need to see that your investment is working so we developed an industry-first, proprietary Nutrition Dashboard. You get real-time data of what your workforce is choosing. This allows you to watch how people will migrate toward healthier foods when there are delicious options to choose from. In short, you have objective evidence of how the program is working at your fingertips. 

Tracking this data is amazing for employees to correlate how they are feeling and performing with the data of their team’s consumption. 

At the same time, leadership is able to more accurately track the ROI of prioritizing their team’s wellbeing. 

Real Results, Real Return

One of the top American cloud-based software companies based in San Francisco found an interesting result with the Nutrition Dashboard. 

Everyone knows how negative sugar is for health, but it’s not easy to eat less of it. With garten Kitchen, employees chose foods that cut the daily intake of added sugar in half over three months. The positive effects from this lower sugar intake will include increased productivity without the afternoon crash, clearer decision-making, and health improvements. 

The Nutrition Dashboard gives you the insight to correlate the nutrition of your workforce and objective ROI. This tool allows you to create an environment that supports your employee’s own desires for wellbeing. 

Forbes points out that employees’ feeling cared for by their company is, “a necessary business strategy for gaining competitive advantage on multiple levels”. The Nutrition Dashboard gives you the data to see that the strategy is working. 

Workplace wellbeing really is a sustainable competitive advantage. 

Get the whole case study here. 

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In most cases what’s good for the individual employee is good for the organization. When the organization cares for its employees – the employees are simply more open to using their discretionary effort to care for the organization. 

This observation comes from direct experience, and it holds up.

After all, an organization is made up of individuals – all with energy, all with emotion and all with a desire to do great things. 

However, in the post-pandemic era, it has become increasingly clear that employees’ well-being has taken a significant hit. Burnout looks to be at an all-time high and doesn’t seem to be getting any better with the chaos/confusion surrounding a return to the office and a potential recession staring us in the face.

What can we do? It Starts With You.

As leaders, I believe we have a 2-part obligation 

a) To be at our best  

b) To create an environment where everyone can be at their best 

I’ve thought about, researched, and tried several things that will build well-being into your culture. As I list them below, please remember what they say on the airplane…put your mask on first…meaning, wellbeing at your organization starts with you. 

Leaders hold the vision of what is possible. To create a company fueled from wellbeing, you first have to live it. It truly does start with you. 

5 Practical Steps Toward Workplace Wellbeing

#1 Priorities – Stop sacrificing ourselves

Trying to have energy like a superhero and being at your best are different things: When did “I was working on this until 4:00 am” actually become a badge of honor? I get the hustle – in fact, I’m all about hustling. And grit. However, hustling until the middle of the night isn’t something to brag about. “Pulling an all-nighter” is better left to college students who sleep until noon the next day. 

What if we changed the mindset FROM one of being obligated to sacrifice your own health with long nights TO one where wellbeing is good for the company? Instead of being obligated to sacrifice your personal health to get the work done, the obligation is to care for your wellbeing because that’s what success is built on. The company needs productive, high-performing people so the obligation is to stop working and get some rest.

Ideas for application:
Companies can implement more strict working hours to ensure employees are getting enough rest. Offering flexible or unlimited PTO, or switching to a 4-day work week, like garten has, can ensure productivity in the office is optimized and employees are getting enough rest.

#2 Food – Prioritize food because it’s what we’re made of

It always comes down to the food: As someone who has been watching my weight almost my whole life, eating right was very discouraging. Then I learned about using food to propel me forward in almost every aspect of my life and something clicked for me. Food is directly correlated to the energy I have and the work I’m able to produce. When I eat better, I feel better and therefore I produce better results. Sounds reasonable, right? 

YET…I worked for a large company not too long ago that subsidized their food service/cafeteria. Every day there was a ‘special’ that was usually heavy. Heavy protein, heavy sauce, heavy carbs, maybe some veggies… and a sugary dessert.  

Trying to do a good thing by creating affordable meals was actually detrimental to the health and wellbeing (and definitely productivity) of their employees. People would eat the special and wonder why they were dozing off during their afternoon calls/meetings. It’s called a ‘sugar crash’ and we’ve all heard of it. 

The food doesn’t have to be limiting, doesn’t have to taste bad, and it’s absolutely more than salads. In fact, it can be delicious, fresh and energizing – so when we go back to work we are no longer exhausted – instead, we are ready to take on the world.

Ideas for application:
Companies like garten can offer better-for-you catering & snacks in the office. Nutrient-dense, low sugar & simple carbohydrate food options can prevent the mid-day slump.

#3 Sleep – Everything we do improves with adequate sleep

It’s funny the way we can think biology doesn’t apply: For those with young children, it is obvious how important sleep is to feel great (or simply functional).  Remember how it was before children…you went to sleep and then you woke up – after 7 or 8 hours, feeling refreshed. The point is, lack of sleep leaves negative impacts everywhere. 

Let’s all agree to never police how many hours of sleep employees get. Instead, the magic comes from changing the culture around self-sacrifice for the sake of “productivity.” Setting the conditions for a successful career AND enough sleep is what business leaders can strive for. 

Improving sleep not only helps employees succeed at work, but it is also foundational to enjoying the rest of life. If we recognize that a company is made up of the individuals who work there, we’ll want to take note. 

Ideas for application:
Providing employees with times of day for purposeful pauses – of rest and relaxation – can help employees take a break, even nap when they are low on sleep. When working from home, you can offer more flexibility in scheduling to allow sufficient sleep for employees. This is something garten implements 2x times daily.

#4 Movement – Moving our bodies improves cognitive work

After all, the brain is connected to the body: I love to exercise. Actually, that’s not exactly true. I love how I feel after I work out. That feeling of finishing a tough hike, a workout using heavy weights, or crossing the finish line on the 5K (or 10K, or more…). 

There seems to be a direct correlation between how sweaty I am and how accomplished I feel. But, I learned something else during the pandemic…I learned that walking, just moving, is sometimes all we need to clear our brains and get rid of some stress. I mean, I always knew this intellectually – but during the pandemic – especially at the beginning – there was so much stress. There was so much unknown that I was able to feel it coming on in my body. I learned that when I started to feel that way, the best thing I could do for myself was go outside and take a walk. I walked a lot in March, April, and May of 2020. Just moving our bodies seems to give our brains a rest. It allows us time to take a few deep breaths and move forward.  

Ideas for application:
Providing employees with times of day for purposeful pauses – for walks, yoga, or movement – can help break up the monotony of meetings and improve employee performance. Think about offering a yoga or workout Zoom class to your employees, such as the garten Experiences team events. 

#5 Being intentional – Video calls aren’t the same as in-person meetings – we can experiment to find what works for our teams

Don’t treat a Zoom call like an in-person meeting: Why bring people together if they are going to be staring at a zoom screen? 

I love being with people face to face – problem-solving, thinking out loud, innovating, and collaborating. And while some of that can happen on a video call (or even less on the telephone), the magic just isn’t the same. There are plenty of things we can/should do that do not require facetime with anyone. Experiment with your team to find the right balance.

For this hybrid strategy to work, leaders need to understand exactly what our people are doing and parse the work accordingly. 

Ideas for application:
Companies should create hybrid policies around when it’s completely necessary to have employees come into the office.

Wellbeing Is A Great Investment 

My company wants long term performance and I imagine yours does too. To support long term performance, we must invest our focus into building systems that correlate with human biology. The fundamental issue is when company culture expects sustained productivity at the expense of wellbeing. 

Instead, let’s use these 5 steps as a guide to make the culture at our companies compatible with long-term productivity. 

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” 

-African proverb 

The definition of a company is going together. It’s time to start thinking and acting in ways that support productivity on the foundation of wellbeing. 

—

Alicia Mandel has 30+ years of experience in high-profile companies as a thought leader in learning and leadership development, change management, organizational development, executive coaching, and workplace culture. As the Chief People Officer of garten, she puts her expertise to use working with leaders of organizations that want/need to make a change. She coaches high-potential and high-performing leaders to remove barriers to success. 

Today Alicia lives in Phoenix and enjoys traveling to see her clients all over the country. She has two adult (sort of) children – a 21-year-old son and an 18-year-old daughter. She has two dogs and enjoys a great glass of wine (or bourbon) as much as a great workout.

The post Building Wellbeing Into Your Culture To Improve Productivity Starts With You: 5 things business leaders need to do appeared first on garten.

As the leaves begin to fall and we feel the call of cozy fires and warm smells from the kitchen, we turn our hearts and minds to reflect on the year and find the sparks of kindness and gratefulness that will keep us warm through the winter.  A time to appreciate family and celebrate the good things. 

FOR THE BODY

Heal Your Health: Relearn to Breathe Presented by Kali Patrick. 

We often take our breathing for granted, but paying more attention to our breathing is important for several reasons. These include:

• the affect our default breathing pattern has on our overall health & well-being
• the usefulness of the breath as a signal that warns us about unmet self-care needs
• our ability to use the breath intentionally, as a way to reduce acute symptoms (e.g. anxiety or depression)
• the breath as a portable, always available tool for increasing stress-resilience

In this interactive presentation, your attendees will learn: 

• Whether or not you’re breathing properly and the surprising implications of improper breathing
• A simple practice to correct disordered breathing patterns created from chronic stress 
• Specific breathing techniques designed to: build stress resilience, alleviate muscle tension/pain (including headaches), provide relief from anxiety/depression, increase energy, improve attention and focus, improve posture, restore healthy blood pressure & restore refreshing sleep

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.  We have ways to help you & your team take a deep breath.

FOR THE MIND

In the month of November we uplift caregivers as well as bring light to the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease through Caring for Your Loved One Who has Alzheimer’s.  Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is never easy. It takes time, transition, training and techniques. This presentation aims to help address and target those skill sets and to help caregivers successfully care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s to the best of their ability.  Presented by Maranda. 

November also brings to the forefront and awareness of stress and helpful ways to mitigate this in our lives.  Garten has a number of resources available to help you and your team find the balance. 

FOR YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Creating an environment of kindness and compassionate listening can be challenging.  Here to help is Amy with a talk specifically designed for World Kindness Day.  Kindness doesn’t just happen one day a year though… feel free to schedule this anytime!

CELEBRATE WITH GRATITUDE

Enveloping ourselves with kindness creates a space to be grateful.  Nurture this with The Gratitude Effect presented by Devin.  He demonstrates how gratitude, when given frequently and crowdsourced, changes not only the receiver, but also the giver. In this session, see how some of the most admired global companies in the world achieved eye-popping ROI through case studies supported by unique data science. Learn how to achieve an appreciation structure with the right level of investment to positively impact culture and performance.

Find this and more resources on building a culture of gratitude with garten Experiences. 

December

‘Tis the season to celebrate what is good and set our sights on the New Year to come.  Like fresh snow, deep starry nights and your breath becoming crystalized before your eyes, there is a refreshing tingle of new goals and the excitement of building on what we accomplished last year. 

FOR THE BODY

As winter approaches our bodies may need some extra help to keep healthy as we prepare for the cold and flu season. Julia can help your team learn the role that food, teas, herbs and supplements can play in boosting the immune system, especially when viruses are making the rounds at the workplace. She shares practical, evidence-based (and delicious!) ways to enhance the health of your employees all winter long in her talk on Winter Wellness. 

Would you like to Spice Up Your Vegan Holiday?  Jennifer will help your employees explore how to use spices that are especially useful during the fall and winter seasons to support a healthy lifestyle, including immunity and digestion, and provide unforgettable flavor and richness to classic holiday meals. Or, have Cathy show you how to prepare one or two vegan holiday recipes in her live cooking demo Easy, Healthy Recipes for the Holiday Season.

Did you know that December 13th is National Cocoa Day?  Did you also know that chocolate can be healthy? Learn all about cacao beans and their transformation into delicious chocolate as Cathy guides you to make your own chocolate treats with assorted tasty add-ins such as sea salt, cinnamon, coconut, ginger, chili powder, and more in her From Beans to Bar – Chocolate Crafting Workshop. Continue the fun by hosting a Rosé & Chocolate Essentials Social Hour where Danielle will awaken your senses with the gift of an essential oil to promote relaxation and mindfulness while you experience an interactive wine and chocolate tasting. 

FOR THE MIND

Did you know that doing a hands-on creative activity can help to relieve stress and clear the mind?  Wear your most atrocious attire to celebrate National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day AND host a fun meditative knitting party! In this workshop, participants will learn how to knit, practice pranayama breathing exercises and stretching techniques, providing them with a new skill that nourishes both mind and body.  You may love it so much you will want to make it a regular part of your workplace culture for the New Year!

Along with the fun of the holidays comes stress. Help your team through what may be a stressful & emotional time with Tom, a Licensed Psychologist and Life Coach, who speaks on Navigating Holiday Stress.  Browse through our providers’ offerings of ways to handle stress, from meditation to movement and breathwork. 

FOR YOUR ENVIRONMENT

From a place of gratitude comes generosity – giving of our time and resources to make this world a better place for all. Support your team to find ways to volunteer and serve the community around them: 

• How to Make Kindness Matter
• How to Find a Virtual Vibe – Opportunities to Give Right Now
• How to Be of Service
• How to Find Time to Do Good
• Volunteering is the New Normal
• Balancing Volunteerism

CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS

Finding ways to come together for end-of-year celebrations and creating room for building community during the holidays means fun, laughter, creativity and celebrating the wins.  We have a collection of holiday celebrations to choose from!  Here is just a taste: 

• Seasonal Wreath Workshop
• Santa’s Sake Tasting Social
• Merry Terrarium Workshop
• Festivus Foam Roll and Fizz
• Jolly Mixology

January

Don’t let your team’s motivation fizzle like last year’s champagne bubbles… keep up the momentum!  Support your team’s wellness goals with some added motivation and fun events:

BUILDING HEALTHY HABITS

Whether your workforce is remote or hybrid, we all need to re-asses those things we do routinely and maybe reboot those habits to serve us better going forward.  Here are some of our top picks for just this thing: 

Creating a Self-care Habit
Building a Sustainable Wellness Routine
You can Change: Making New Habits Stick
SMART Goals

The whole package: these events come in a weekly series that will set your course.  From food to fitness, this is the way to start off the new year!

2023 Food and Fitness Challenge
Food and Movement as Medicine

WEEKLY WELLNESS CLASSES

Establishing a weekly routine within the workplace can create the foundation for a well-rounded wellness program.  Here are some ideas to get you started: 

• Monday Meditation – start the week off with intention and a clear mind
• Training Tuesday – kick it in high gear, get the blood pumping, and get going on the most productive day with weekly fitness classes.  
• Fri-Yay Yoga! From beginners level to advanced, there is a yoga class for everyone.  Try a few styles to see what fits well, or stick with the same provider so you can build on skill sets.

January is MENTAL WELLNESS MONTH and we have experts in the field to encourage and educate your employees as we build awareness for this important topic, from maintaining mental wellbeing through mindfulness to addressing mental health issues both in the office and at home.

The post Curated Winter Experiences appeared first on garten.

In a nutshell, first principles thinking is asking questions with the purpose of uncovering your assumptions. Assumptions have a way of proving themselves wrong in spectacular ways. 

James Clear describes it this way,

“In theory, first principles thinking requires you to dig deeper and deeper until you are left with only the foundational truths of a situation… In practice, you don’t have to simplify every problem down to the atomic level to get the benefits of first principles thinking. You just need to go one or two levels deeper than most people. Different solutions present themselves at different layers of abstraction.”

Source: https://jamesclear.com/first-principles

First principles thinking is a way to be more objective, which is why its insights are so valuable. 

Turning First Principles thinking from products to personnel 

It’s great that Elon Musk can use first principles thinking to reduce the cost of a rocket and end up creating Space X. But what could happen if we stop thinking about how to make a product and instead apply first principles thinking to the people who actually create the product. 

Now we’re really using first principles!

Here is the thought process:

• Companies are completely dependent upon their human workforce
• Human beings are biological life
• Chronic stress has MANY well-understood, negative effects on biological life
• Chronic stress has MANY well-understood, negative effects on cognitive performance 
• Therefore, a reduction in chronic stress and/or greater resilience will positively influence both the human workforce and the company

How much better can your company perform when you implement smart practices that create an environment for productive creativity?

Where is first principles thinking for supporting your workforce? 

A core belief at garten is that aligning your company’s systems and policies with whole-person wellbeing is foundational to getting the most out of your business.

It is an impossibility to get the best out of employees who are tired, overworked, stressed, and physically declining. 

The problem is that we don’t use first principles to think about the human beings making the whole operation work. A high salary alone cannot offset growing daily stress. 

Which employee will be a better investment?

One who is working in a state of stress, overwhelm, diminishing energy, and diminishing motivation

OR

One who is holistically supported to the level they are expected to produce 

Before, the idea was to hire high performers and motivate them with money, responsibility, promotions, etc. which add stress. What’s more, taking care of yourself was seen as becoming soft. 

What we observe is that nowhere in the natural world does this approach turn out well. 

Instead, the natural world thrives when the surrounding conditions are right. But what do we see at large in the corporate world?

• Burnout
• Stress
• Long hours
• Sacrificing your personal health 

garten is helping business leaders challenge the prevailing paradigm of productivity. We believe that your company will be more productive by addressing 3 overlapping areas of holistic wellbeing: mind, body, and environment. 

Getting started in a practical way is incredibly simple. Start with higher-quality food and drinks. 

Foundational things are simple. And simple is powerful. 

Why Invest In Workplace Wellbeing?

Investors make money by spotting trends and capitalizing on them. Can you spot the trend from these two numbers?

The data is clear, the state of whole-person health is greatly affecting the cost of doing business.

The good news is that implementing smart practices can directly combat many of these rising costs while simultaneously creating a workplace environment that attracts and retains top performers. 

From looking at the data with our own clients, we’ve seen that a $1 investment in corporate wellbeing yields an ROI of $5.81 primarily because of increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and lowered healthcare costs. 

Taking care of your people isn’t simply a conscientious thing to do, it is one of the smartest investments companies aren’t making. 

The post The Smart Investment Companies Aren’t Making appeared first on garten.

Help with their education

Many employers choose to help their workers fund their higher learning experience if it applies to their job, or if it could help them secure a promotion. You might offer tuition assistance, or match a certain amount. With a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, your employees can learn accounting and auditing skills that will help your business run efficiently, and there are several programs available online that will ensure they can keep working while earning their degree from the comfort of their own homes. Talk to your employees to find out what their goals are, whether they would be interested in pursuing a degree if they have assistance, and how you can make this move mutually beneficial.

Focus on health

While helping your employees reach their goals is important, it’s also a good idea to give them the tools to boost their wellness at work. Sometimes it’s the small things that make a big impact, such as offering water, coffee, tea, and productivity-boosting snacks. You can also go a little bigger and create a wellness initiative that will help everyone make movement a priority, especially if they sit at a desk most of the day. You could even provide standing desks, yoga classes, or health videos that can be accessed anytime. garten offers these through their own channel. Not only does focusing on the health of your employees help them take action for their own benefit, it shows them that you’re invested in their wellbeing.

Keep their mental health in mind

Physical health is important, but it’s crucial not to underestimate how big an impact a person’s mental health has on their ability to do their job efficiently. It’s extremely challenging to focus on work when there are family problems going on at home, or when financial troubles are causing stress. The best way to assist your workers with their mental wellbeing is two-pronged: offer things like paid time off, child care assistance, counseling services, and remote work opportunities; and follow up with them in a private meeting. Let them know that you care about what they’re going through, and remind them that they are part of a team that will support them with you.

Recognize hard work

Your employees work hard for you everyday, and while offering perks is a great incentive, it’s also important for you to recognize specific achievements. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to make someone feel great about a success; you might work shout-outs into your team calls, or take them out to lunch. If you do want to go bigger, you can put together prizes or trophies to hand out at company-wide events, or surprise your team with a party. Recognizing your employees for all the good they do is a great way to boost team morale and keep them on track.

 Finding new ways to offer creative benefits to your workers doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Remember that sometimes, it’s about the small things. Keeping communication open with your team will help you learn more about their needs as you move forward.

The post 4 Creative Ways Employers Can Provide Benefits appeared first on garten.