6 Ways To Reduce Healthcare Costs And Attract Employees

1. Provide easy access to meals that support a variety of eating styles and dietary restrictions.

   Employees appreciate high-quality meals that are subsidized, complimentary, or simply available to them. Daily offerings of fresh quality foods aren’t restricted to large corporations. Smaller firms can provide a few breakfast items such as oatmeal cups, hard-boiled eggs, smoothies or fresh fruit. Contract with a local caterer to offer simple lunches such as; grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, grain or bean salads, and vegetarian chili. Supporting employee eating styles encourages them to stay on track, saves time and hassle, and shows employer support for individual health goals. Potential hires value companies that value their employees.
   
   

2. Develop employee’s cooking skills by sponsoring cooking classes or demos to support different eating styles.

   Foods prepared at home are less likely to be loaded with salt, fat and sugar so the more employees develop basic cooking skills, the easier and more likely they are to prepare simple, healthy meals at home. Invite a local chef or cooking school student into the office over lunch one day and watch employee’s eyes light up and engage in conversation with co-workers.
   
   

3. Reward employees with discounts and gift certificates with local restaurants and organic eateries.

   There are so many new restaurants, take-out meal services, and organic markets popping up in cities across the country. Establish partnerships with those who provide meals with simple, whole foods and cater to specific eating styles. Distribute discount coupons and gift certificates to motivate employees or reward them for a job well-done.
    

4. Sponsor nutrition education and “Eating Clubs” to support healthy eating.

   Having a tribe of people who share the same health goals or eating style is a proven recipe for success. Offer to sponsor The Keto Club, The Vegan Group or whatever is most popular in the office. Having the ability to share in the challenges and lessons learned from others who simply “get it” can make all the difference in the world. Treat the group to a special snack box delivered each month and set-up a Facebook group or discussion forum for members to share knowledge. Host a Health Coach at lunch to conduct a session on a variety of health topics and use it as another way to provide dietary education and bring employees together.
    

5. Provide access to healthy snacks or “meals to go” for busy employees working through lunch or late at night.

   Perhaps a few extra lunches could be provided to employees to grab and go during busy times. They can use the time saved to take a quick walk or download a meditation app for a few minutes to relax and decompress. Stock a few meals for employees working late trying to meet a deadline. It’s best for them to eat a healthy meal and get a good night sleep in preparation for that big meeting tomorrow. Re-stocking the vending machine with fresh, whole food alternatives also prevents the afternoon sugar crash and increases productivity.
    

6. Support access to “meal-prep kits” to encourage fast, healthy cooking at home.

   Partner with meal-kit delivery services and provide employees with either discounted delivery at home or on-site pick up to stay on track with their food plan. Grabbing a meal kit on the way home from the office is not only a time-saver but also a great way to get the whole family involved in the cooking process at home.
   
   

Author Bio

Marissa Costonis is a Health Change Guru. She works as a Certified Health Coach to help clients transform their own eating habits and health one bite at a time. Marissa is the author of the new Amazon #1 bestseller, Change BITES, 5 Change Management Strategies to Transform Your Health. Visit www.changebites.com Connect Marissa Costonis Follow @Change_Bites