Fuel for Focus - The Role of Nutrition in Workplace Wellbeing

As summer heats up, maintaining energy and focus throughout the workday can become more challenging. Longer days, higher temperatures, and busy schedules all add to the demands placed on us. That’s why supporting health through good nutrition and mindful habits is so important - not only for wellbeing but also for sustaining productivity and a positive work experience.

Why Nutrition Matters for You at Work

Our daily food choices have a direct impact on how we feel, think, and perform while at work. It’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing unhealthy snacks or even skipping meals when the day gets hectic. But these habits often lead to energy slumps, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.

Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on balanced meals that combine:

• Complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which provide steady energy without the spikes and crashes.
• Proteins such as chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, help build and repair muscles.
• Healthy fats including avocados, nuts, seeds, which support absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
• Adequate hydration, especially important in the summer heat!

Starting the day with a nourishing breakfast sets a positive tone, helping you avoid overeating or feeling sluggish later.

How to support good nutrition at work

The work environment plays a huge role in employees' ability to make healthy choices.Here are some tips for companies to help create an environment that makes healthy choices simple:

• Stocking break rooms with wholesome snacks such as fresh fruit, trail mix, and yogurt, allowing employees to refuel conveniently between tasks without reaching for less healthy options.
• Providing educational resources and workshops focused on balanced eating and hydration during the workday, helping employees understand how nutrition impacts their energy and focus.
• Encouraging managers and team leaders to lead by example by modelling healthy habits, which can foster a supportive and motivating workplace culture where employees feel empowered to make better choices.

Even simple changes, like choosing whole-grain snacks during meetings, can collectively make a big difference in how energised and focused employees feel.

The Power of Movement Alongside Nutrition

Good nutrition is just one piece of the wellness puzzle. Pairing healthy eating with regular physical activity helps improve your physical health. We know sitting for long periods can drain your energy and affect your health over time.

Try these small but impactful ways to move during the work day, such as:

• Taking brief stretch breaks every hour to refresh your body and mind.
• Hosting walking meetings to combine movement with collaboration.
• Providing standing desks or adjustable workstations where possible.

Why It All Matters

When employees feel nourished and energised, they are better equipped to tackle  tasks, collaborate with colleagues, and enjoy the workday. Prioritising good nutrition and movement strengthens the entire team by reducing fatigue, improving mood, and supporting overall health.

Nutrition and Physical Activity is one of the eight pillars of the KeepWell Mark framework. The KeepWell Mark provides independent recognition of an organisation’s commitment to workplace wellbeing, grounded in clear standards and a holistic approach to strategy. It helps build employee trust, enhance employer brand, and embed wellbeing into the core of organisational culture.

For more information on The KeepWell Mark visit www.thekeepwellmark.ie 

Alice Moffitt, Specialised Nutrition Executive, Ibec