09/26/2025
The Key to Reducing Sick Days & Burnout
I’ve seen how what employees eat during the day can make or break their focus, energy, and resilience. Workplace burnout and absenteeism often aren’t just about workload—they’re about biology.
Vending machine lunches are heavy in processed carbs, sugary snacks, and caffeine highs, employees ride an energy rollercoaster. This drives fatigue, irritability, more stress, and higher rates of sick days. A nutrient-dense food environment can transform that cycle.
→ Balanced blood sugar from meals with lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber (think salmon, nuts, berries, leafy greens) stabilizes energy and mood.
→ Omega-3 fats (from fish, chia, flax) reduce inflammation and support cognitive performance.
→ Adequate B-vitamins, magnesium, and iron prevent the brain fog and stress intolerance that drain productivity.
→ Hydration and access to whole-food snacks reduce the mid-afternoon slump and decrease reliance on processed vending-machine options.
A corporate wellness strategy that includes nutrition isn’t just good for morale—it’s cost-effective. Studies show that every $1 invested in employee health and nutrition can return $2–$3 in reduced absenteeism and higher productivity (Baicker et al., Health Affairs, 2010).
References:
Baicker, K. et al. (2010). Workplace wellness programs can generate savings. Health Affairs. https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2009.0626
NIH – Micronutrients & Cognitive Function: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019700/
Harvard Business Review – Food & Workplace Productivity: https://hbr.org/2014/01/what-you-eat-affects-your-productivity
👉 Ready to create a workplace nutrition plan that boosts focus and cuts sick days? DM me “WORKWELL” to learn about my corporate wellness programs.