Remote work arrangements whereby employees report to work from their homes either everyday, or several days a week have become part of the corporate landscape at this point. Many employees have found a better work-life balance by cutting out their daily commutes, and reduced their spending by eliminating the temptation to purchase lunch near their offices. However, many report that the constant availability of the home refrigerator and pantry proves more alluring than even a well stocked workplace cafeteria.

Susan Albers, PhD, of the Cleveland Clinic states, “We are just feet from our kitchen and not only that, we are home and we are feeling stressed, bored and lonely, so this is an increase in emotional eating, stress eating and a lot of mindless snacking.”

How can employers foster employee health and wellness when they are not physically in the office?

In a world of unlimited choice when it comes to nutrition and how to spend one’s free time, employers can play an important role. Scheduling ‘lunch and learn’ sessions to educate the workforce on topics of social interest that impact the workplace, and offering education around nutrition might offer a way to bond remotely during a midday meal. Encouraging healthy choices through financial incentives and discount programs is another popular option. Recipe swaps where employees trade ideas for healthy snacks provide a social connection and expand the workforce knowledge base when it comes to nutritional variety.

Oftentimes, simply eating a meal or snack in the presence of others encourages more healthy choices. If a workforce is fully remote, this camaraderie can still be achieved through video platforms with some sort of regular schedule. Building in ‘movement breaks’ to breakup a day of meetings and phone calls can help employees physically and mentally. 

Through a variety of techniques, employers can instill healthy habits with small efforts that pay off in many ways.