Why Companies Who Consider Employees' Dietary Needs Experience Less Turnover

Imagine coming to a company brunch, excited to have a meeting over delicious food. When they reveal the dishes, you frown. You realize they didn’t consider your food requirements despite sharing them with managers and coworkers. Some people can brush off the incident. For others, it can be disheartening to feel left out. 

Companies are unaware that disregarding an employee’s dietary needs can contribute to a resignation letter. There are reasons why taking the extra mile to make these considerations can lessen turnovers.

1. A Health-First Work Culture

A company’s work culture should prioritize the health of its employees. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 3.4 million people quit their jobs. People leave because of disagreements about work arrangements and stagnant career options. Some also resign because they feel their health is declining because of their line of work.

Mental health and physical health are essential aspects of an employee. Extend respect towards their food requirements. Recognizing a worker’s needs is a great way to say, “Your health matters and we want to serve you the food you need.”

Considering employees’ dietary needs can also help businesses brand themselves as a partner in health. When clients or job applicants see how well you treat employees, it creates a good impression.

2. Inclusivity of Different Diets

Working in companies that consider your dietary needs can make you feel seen. Food plays a significant role in our lives, after all. Here are different diets to be included:

• Lifestyle preferences: Some people adopt diets because it suits their ethics or lifestyle. For example, vegans avoid animal food products like meat and dairy. Some people go vegan to fight climate change or abstain from consuming animals.

• Nutrition deficiencies: Some people don’t have enough of a certain nutrient. Their diets focus on consuming a particular food group. For example, those with iron deficiency should have more iron-rich foods like red meat and beans.

• Health restrictions: Many have dietary restrictions because of their health. For example, almost 37.3 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. They have to steer clear of any sugary food or drinks to cope with their condition.

• Religious dietary standards: Jews can only eat kosher foods, while Muslims may only consume halal dishes. These standards are very meticulous regarding meat and dairy preparation, so respect your employees’ dietary needs.

3. Improved Morale

Free food is always a great morale booster in the middle of a long work week. It’s even better when the meals match your dietary needs because you can enjoy your provision and feel valued by your company.

It’s also a win for companies since they can choose what food to provide employees. They can opt for fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These healthy carbohydrates can improve your mood physically and psychologically.

4. Fuel for Productivity

An improvement in mood comes with an increase in productivity. Feeling validated about your dietary needs can make you happy, boosting your enthusiasm and focus. The lighter you feel, the better your performance.

Companies can also pick out certain foods that can boost employee productivity. For example, nuts and seeds can be a great snack in the middle of the workday. It provides plenty of protein to keep a person full and energized throughout the day.

5. Strong Wellness Incentives

People resign due to a lack of incentives at the company. About 23% of U.S. workers say they left a job because the benefits weren’t good. Food provisions that don’t match your dietary needs aren’t exactly a perk you’ll share with others. 

Consider your employees’ dietary needs to provide some motivation to employees to stay. Add this as a benefit along with health insurance and paid time off in their compensation package. It’s a small detail, but it matters in the long run.

6. Increased Employee Engagement

Taking notes about your employees’ food requirements can be a key way to boost employee engagement. Global analytics and advisory firm Gallup reveals employee engagement dropped to 32% in 2022. When people feel disconnected from their office, they want to leave.

Coordinate with people when handling food provisions. Take down records of the preferences and restrictions each person practices. Meet over food and talk. By strengthening your network, you can retain your employees.

Put Employees' Dietary Needs First

Companies that prioritize their employees can reduce turnovers. However, remember to go beyond dietary needs to maintain a high employee retention rate. Find other ways to make your employees happy, healthy and productive.

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Beth, the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind, is well-respected in the mental health, nutrition and fitness spaces. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking and going for runs with her dog.