Dental, medical, paid time off, 401K…these are the usual benefits you might see listed on a job ad. However, as more and more companies compete for top talent, extra incentives are increasing. Many employers are now offering their staff additional perks such as tuition reimbursement, flexible work schedules, on-site gyms, and free meals, to name a few.

Corporate perks are not only a way to attract good candidates, but it can define your company culture—its values and what it stands for. Many companies want to create a nurturing work environment that balances work and life while promoting positivity and productivity. One specific element that employers like to incorporate into their company culture is health and wellness.

Don’t just take our word for it—studies have shown a correlation between employee wellness and productivity. Research suggests that employers save on average $3.48 in reduced health care costs and $5.82 in lower absenteeism costs for every dollar spent on employee wellness. A study of nearly 20,000 surveyed participants revealed that “...employees who rarely eat fruits, vegetables and other low-fat foods at work were 93 percent more likely to have a higher loss in productivity. Additionally, those who did not believe their workplace environment would support them in becoming physically and emotionally healthier were more likely to have a drop in productivity levels.”

There are various ways in which companies incorporate healthy eating at their offices. Some employers may simply stock the office kitchen with healthier food options like fruits and vegetables. Others may go as far as implementing a full-fledged cafeteria with chef-manned stations serving an array of healthy dining options. Some new trends we’ve seen include automated specialty food kiosks like Leanbox and Smartbox that offer fresh meals, fruit, and water on-demand. Let’s say your company doesn’t have the space for a kitchen or even a vending machine. “Virtual cafeterias” are another benefit you can offer workers. EAT Club is a service that allows employees to choose their favorite lunch from a curated menu developed by award-winning chefs. After choosing, the meals are delivered to the office all at once.

Whichever route you choose for meal perks, it’s important to remember to include a variety of healthy choices, options for those with allergies and dietary restrictions (I.e., gluten-free and non-dairy), as well as vegan and vegetarian choices. If you’re unsure where to begin, please contact Synergy so we can assess the best and most efficient option for your organization.