We all know the mid-morning slump or the 3pm energy dip, when concentration wavers, productivity slows. With the right snack options, workplaces can help staff stay energised, focused, and feeling their best throughout the day.
Why snacks matter
Food fuels both our body and mind, and can also support celebration, connection, or a mood boost. When workplaces make it easy to choose nourishing options, staff are more likely to stay focused, refreshed and productive.
Creating a supportive food environment:
- Have nutritious snacks like a fruit bowl, nuts, or yoghurt pottles in staff kitchens/shared spaces
- Make water and hot drinks like herbal teas easily accessible, hydration is just as important as food for energy
- Ensure there is time for regular meal breaks for staff away from their desks/workspace
- Promote a positive food culture that values nourishment, not just convenience
- Display signage or posters with snack ideas, healthier swaps, reminders to take breaks and stretch, and prompts to refill water bottles
- Offer healthier catering options at meetings and events, refer to the healthy food and drink guidance for organisations resources
Top Tips!
Encourage and Promote Healthy Snacking Across your Workplace: Practical Tips!
Make healthy options easy:
Create an environment where a variety of nourishing choices are readily available. Stock shared kitchens or break areas with options like nuts, yoghurt, fruit, or wholegrain crackers so employees aren’t limited to quick, less nutritious fixes.
Support planning ahead:
Encourage staff to plan their food choices in advance - whether that’s a home-made muffin for those with a sweet tooth or tuna and crackers for those who prefer savoury. This can reduce mindless grazing and help staff avoid last-minute, less healthy options.
Boost satisfaction and energy:
Provide or promote snack combinations rich in fibre, protein, and/or healthy fats to help sustain energy and keep people feeling fuller for longer. Examples include yoghurt with fruit, apple slices with nut butter, cheese with wholegrain crackers, or even smaller portions of lunch items such as sandwich halves.
Promote hydration:
Make water and hot drink stations easily accessible. Staying hydrated supports wellbeing and can help reduce confusion between hunger and thirst.
Encourage mindful breaks:
Recognise that snacking isn’t always linked to hunger - sometimes it’s habit, stress, or simply needing a pause. Promote balanced meals during the day and encourage staff to use breaks for stretching, short walks, or connecting with colleagues when they’re not hungry.
Refresh workplace events:
At morning teas or celebrations, consider diversifying the offerings. Add options like fruit platters, vegetable sticks with hummus, or sandwich halves to complement traditional baked goods.
By making small, thoughtful adjustments to your workplace food environment and supporting smarter snacking habits, organisations can enhance both wellbeing and productivity. It’s not about restriction—it’s about nourishment, enjoyment, and sustaining steady energy throughout the day. Start small, keep it simple, and celebrate progress along the way.
Further WorkWell Resources -
