Horrified that it’s almost 3 weeks since I updated this, completely defies the object of a Blog… have been really busy though, the garden has taken up most of my previous weekends and a tonne of admin in the office too…. enough of the excuses!
Yesterday I attended the superb Yorkshire International Business Convention, where I gave away literally thousands of apples, oranges, bananas, grapes…. Less figs, which seemed to have a few people quite puzzled.
The Speakers were inspirational, as was the atmosphere at the event, a real ‘feelgood’ experience and a wonderful opportunity to promote healthy eating to so many people who really know they should but who need a little help with the how.
If you’re reading this because we met on Friday, let me remind you of the wording on our poster, “Sickness Absence costs up to £500.00 per employee, per year” . “In total, sickness absence costs the Government more than the entire budget of the National Health Service”.
Scary stuff, and the Government thinks so too, in their response to Dame Carol Blacks 2008 Report, ‘Working for a Healthier Tomorrow’ The Government have committed resources to improving the health of the working population, we spend 60% of our waking life ‘at work’ so this is the ideal place to target those most at risk.
As an employer you will be well aware of your responsibilities relating to safety in the workplace, you wouldn’t dream of allowing someone to drive a fork lift without the relevant training and safety gear, now think about how you can help your employees to enjoy a more healthy lifestyle, consider a lunch time walking group, encourage walking to work, or maybe incentivise employees that have to travel by car, to park further away.
We can help with diet, there are endless possibilities for intoroducing fresh fruit in to the workplace, a bowl of apples on reception, a platter of fresh fruit to replace the boardroom biscuits; for the shopfloor … a cost effective, bulk delivery of boxed fruit, alternate apples one week, bananas the next, no fancy displays needed and employees have access to at least two of their ‘5 A Day’.
Statistics show those least likely to eat five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables are men aged 17 to 45, they typically achive a maximum of 2 portions, by giving easy access to fruit in the workplace you will be doubling their intake and this could have a dramatic effect on their health.
So, if sickness absence really is costing you up to £500.00 per employee, per year, consider introducing fresh fruit, which will typically cost less than £75.00 per employee, per year … thst’s before you take in to account the other benefits …. increased productivity, motivated team, forward thinking company…. call us on 0800 310 2888 to dicuss.
Make Every Friday 'Fruity'
