@ your workplace Thrive 9 to 5: Avoid the Diet Destroyers in the Office  How healthy is your office?
Take the quiz! Our appetite for snacking in the workplace is high, and we snag whatever food is lying around, without a second thought. Bagels, chips, packaged cookies with cups of sugar? Bring it on. Americans spend billions of dollars a year consuming snack foods, and we are demanding quick, easy solutions to fuel ourselves throughout the workday. A recent snack food survey highlighted in Employee Benefit News shows that more than 80 percent of women snack at work and tend to pick whatever is available. More than half admit that they gravitate toward chips, followed by chocolate, candy bars and cookies. And peer inside any Starbucks after 3 pm during the week, and you will be greeted by a rush-hour line and the sound of multiple Frappuccino blenders whirring at high speeds. Not exactly food for optimal health or to fuel the brain. Take a hard look at your eating habits in the office. How health conscious are you? How healthy is your office environment? Be brutally honest, this is your journey to thrive during the workday. - How many vending machines does your workplace have?
- I have no idea. (1 point)
- I think there are four, maybe five. I'm not sure of the exact count. (5 points)
- There are two machines right outside the kitchen on my floor. There are three more machines 100 paces to the left and two machines on the bottom floor right outside the employee lounge. I can draw you a map if that helps. (10 points)
- How often have you been caught furiously banging or attempting to rock the vending machine to dislodge your treat from the metal claws of A1?
- Never. (1 point)
- I can remember that happening once or twice to me in the past year. (5 points)
- At least once a week, and my colleagues always come running to help. It's getting downright ridiculous. In fact, I just stuck a note on the machine asking for the vending machine repair person to take a look. (10 points)
- Do you have a secret stash of coins in your office in preparation for vending runs?
- No way. (1 point)
- I know I have some coins lying around somewhere in the office, or I can just rely on my neighbor. (5 points)
- Yes, I have two stashes: one in my desk drawer and one in my attaché case. (10 points)
- It is 11 am and a colleague asks you to join him/her on a Starbucks run. You have just finished an extra-large latte 40 minutes ago. You say:
- No thanks, I already got my fill. (1 point)
- Sure, I need the fresh air and the company. (5 points)
- Sure, and boy do I need another jolt of caffeine! (10 points)
- You are in charge of bringing the goodies for a colleague's birthday celebration in the office. You know she's a health nut and your office just committed to a Healthy Workplace Initiative…you:
- Opt for a delectable platter of fresh fruit, berries and low-fat yogurt. (1 point)
- Choose a fruit-filled tart. A mix of good with a little bad. (5 points)
- It's ooey-gooey mousse-filled chocolate cake all the way. This is a celebration, not a time for being health conscious! (10 points)
Your Score: - 5 points or less:
You're looking good. Read on for more healthy eating tips in the office. - 10-30 points:
You're not too bad, but read on to find out how you kick the bad habits and thrive 9 to 5. - 35-50 points:
Your office eating habits need an extreme makeover! They may be hampering your ability to succeed in the workplace and lose that ten pounds you promised yourself you would lose by June 1 for bikini season. It's time to think twice about what snacks, beverages and food you put in your mouth during the workday. |
