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Use food rewards sparingly

Good work deserves praise, but accomplishments don’t need to be celebrated with unhealthy treats.

A sincere compliment and handwritten thank-you note offer a personal touch. Workers could also be rewarded with clothing or other items adorned with the company logo, a gift card to a local grocery store, or tickets to a play or event.

A team party could include fruit trays, popcorn, and veggies with dip.

Rewarding workers with healthy snacks or non-food rewards shows them you are grateful for their effort and care about their well-being.

There’s nothing wrong with an occasional pizza party or retirement cake, but those should be the exception rather than the rule.

Provide nutritious options

If you have an on-site cafeteria or vending machines, make sure healthy options are readily available. This can include:

• Sandwiches with lean meat on whole grain bread
• Salads and fresh vegetables
• Oil and vinegar dressing
• Broth-based soup
• Steamed or grilled vegetables
• Fresh fruit
• Unsalted trail mix

Make healthy foods easy to spot

Nudge workers to make healthy choices by giving healthier foods a prime location in the cafeteria or vending machines. Update food displays often to highlight healthy options and downplay highly processed foods, which are typically high in salt and sugar and low in nutrients.

Making healthier foods attractive and less expensive than unhealthier options can make them more enticing.

Make water readily available

Sugary sodas and energy drinks are often high in calories. Have fresh, cold water available so workers can sip on that instead.

You may want to give new employees a water bottle as a welcome gift to encourage them to get into the habit right away.

Other healthy options include coffee, tea, or unsweetened flavored water.

Help workers de-stress

When workers are under pressure, they may turn to unhealthy foods in an effort to feel better. Workplace policies such as flexible schedules and remote work options can reduce stress by helping employees better balance work and nonwork obligations.

They can also be encouraged to use vacation time and paid time off, so they have time to re-energize.

Providing a walking path or on-site gym makes it easier for workers to use exercise rather than food as a stress-reliever.

Key to remember: June is fruit and vegetable month, and is an ideal time to emphasize healthy eating and overall well-being.

Effect on employers

Because of the court ruling, employers covered by the PWFA will not need to provide reasonable accommodations to employees who elect to have abortions. The ruling applies nationwide but does not change any other part of the law or regulations. Employers must recognize accommodation requests under the PWFA and understand their obligations.

The State of Louisiana, et al, vs. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. District Court Western District of Louisiana, No. 2:24-cv-00629.

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, et al, vs Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, et al, U.S. District Court Western District of Louisiana, No. 2:24-cv-00691.

Key to remember: As a result of the court’s ruling, employers do not have to accommodate employee elective abortions that are not necessary to treat a medical condition related to pregnancy.

Paid time off

In addition to not requiring bonus pay for night or weekend work, the FLSA does not require employers to give employees paid time off, such as vacation, sick leave, or general paid time off (PTO). If an employee works while on PTO, the FLSA does not require employers to pay extra for that time.

Many states, however, have laws that entitle eligible employees to paid time off for a variety of qualifying reasons. Employers should pay close attention to the details of these leave laws, as they may restrict employees from working while on leave.

State laws

Concerning time off, some states have “day of rest” or similar laws requiring employers to give employees at least one day off in a seven-day workweek.

Certain states also require premium pay for weekend work, even if the total hours worked do not exceed 40 in a workweek. This premium pay, often at a rate higher than standard overtime, varies by state.

Under California law, for example, employers must pay overtime for any work beyond eight hours in one workday and any work beyond 40 hours in one workweek. They must also pay overtime for the first eight hours worked on the seventh day of work in any one workweek. Employers must pay double time for any work beyond 12 hours in one day and any work above eight hours on any seventh day of a work week.

Key to remember: Employers don’t have to pay employees extra for working weekends or night shifts under federal law, but state laws might require it.

What are prebiotic sodas?

Prebiotic sodas are carbonated beverages that contain dietary fibers called prebiotics. Prebiotics help support the good bacteria in the gut.

Fiber isn’t digested but supports digestion and helps you feel full. Most Americans don’t eat enough fiber, falling short of the recommended 28 - 35 grams of fiber each day.

Since 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its definition of dietary fiber to include non-digestive carbohydrates, such as inulin and acacia. These fibers come from plants such as chicory root and the acacia tree. Prebiotic sodas often contain these plant-based fibers.

What problems can prebiotic sodas cause?

Drinking prebiotic soda can have side effects, as inulin can be hard to digest. If you’re not used to consuming a lot of fiber, it can cause bloating, diarrhea, and gas pains.

In addition, prebiotic sodas often contain artificial ingredients as well as sugar, which has been linked to heart disease and diabetes.

Because of these drawbacks, a better choice for increasing fiber intake is a diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are natural sources of fiber.

When you’re thirsty, and especially if you’re working in hot weather, water is a great choice. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration advises employers to provide cool water to workers in outdoor environments. Employees should be encouraged to drink at least one 8-ounce cup every 20 minutes while working in the heat.

Key to remember: There’s nothing wrong with swapping out a prebiotic soda for a regular one when you’re looking for a treat. If you’re focusing on getting more prebiotic fiber into your diet, however, it’s found naturally in bananas, asparagus, almonds, beans, peas, garlic, and onions. When you’re focused on calorie-free thirst quenching, water still rises to the top.