A well-fed workforce is a productive workforce. We have known this for a long time, and we’ve written about it here, here, and here.

Some workplaces leave their employees entirely to their own devices when it comes to meals and snacks; others provide full-blown catering.

Today, we’re focussing in on workplaces that fall somewhere between these two extremes: the workplace that provides snacks for their employees. We’re talking easy to eat non-perishable foods that might be found in the breakroom. Perhaps something to go with a cuppa at morning or afternoon tea time.

By providing your employees with nourishing snacks, you can help them to function at their best across the workday.

Is this a ploy to end workplace biscuits?

Nope. Not even close! We are not advocating for strict control over workplace snacking, bans on sometimes foods or anything remotely close to food police patrols. If your team is used to having biscuits around, we are not saying get rid of them. What we are advocating for though is more choice. Let’s increase the options available and help make the healthy choice the easy choice (more on that concept here).

What could I have on hand for the team?

Foods that can easily live out on a benchtop or table, or perhaps in a pantry-style cupboard include:

  • Minimal fuss, shelf-stable fresh fruit e.g., bananas, mandarins
  • Popcorn
  • Seedy crackers
  • Tinned tuna and salmon
  • Flavoured tinned legumes
  • Muesli bars
  • Nut bars
  • Roasted chickpeas
  • Roasted fava beans
  • Mixed nuts
  • Dates
  • Fruit tubs

Snacks that require a fridge include:

  • Yoghurt
  • Cheese for the seedy crackers
  • Hummus
  • Avocado dip
  • Chopped veg e.g., carrot, celery, cucumber
  • Chia pudding cups
  • Berries
  • Grapes

Tips to keep this budget-friendly

Buy in bulk

Our biggest tip is buying in bulk wherever possible. You’ll find it’s much cheaper to buy a kilogram of mixed nuts rather than smaller bags or individually wrapped packs. Invest in some airtight containers to store snacks like nuts, popcorn, dried fruit, and crackers to keep them fresher for longer.

Shop around

If possible, try not to limit where the snacks are bought from. It might be tempting to buy the muesli bars in the same order as pens and printer paper, but you will likely pay a premium for the convenience.

Look out for specials

Buy items when they’re on special, rather than when you run out, or at a set time in the month. It may be convenient to streamline the buying by ordering on a particular day each month, but keeping an eye out for specials means you can take advantage of better prices and get more bang-for-you-buck.

Stick to the seasons

If providing fresh fruit to the team, stick to what’s in season as it costs less to buy and tastes better. Plus, your team is more likely to eat something that’s tasty, leading to less waste.

Want to go deeper with your workplace health offerings? Check out our range of services, including our Employee Nutrition Program and Workplace Wellbeing Method.