How a Healthy Work Lunch Could Add Billions to Society
Why Investing in Employee Nutrition Is a Win-Win for Health and the Economy
What if something as simple as a healthier lunch could boost productivity, cut healthcare costs, and add billions to the Dutch economy? According to a major study from advisory firm Gibbs, that’s exactly what could happen if every working person in the Netherlands enjoyed a nutritious midday meal.
Billions in Benefits — Not Just For Employees
The research estimates that a daily healthy lunch for all Dutch workers could generate €9 to €11.5 billion in societal gains each year — a number that’s hard to ignore. Lower rates of sickness, reduced healthcare spending, and a more productive workforce all play into the savings.
As Nienke de Boer of Gibbs explains,
“Every euro invested is returned between 2.4 and 3 times.”
To put this into context, providing several healthy lunches per week to nearly 10 million workers would cost about €3.8 billion annually — money that could be recouped many times over through long-term health and economic benefits.
More Than Money — Better Health Outcomes
The research team found that workers who eat healthier lunches are linked to:
- 11% reduced risk of overweight and obesity
- 7.6% lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes
- Nearly 10% fewer cardiovascular issues
All of this contributes to less absenteeism and higher performance on the job.
A Simple Step for Big Rewards
At a time when companies are looking for ways to improve employee wellbeing and reduce costs, a healthy lunch program might just be the smartest investment yet.
Do you want to know how to arrange lunch in an efficient manner? Our catering experts are happy to help: orders.nl@feedr.co
Source: https://nieuws.nl/algemeen/onderzoek-gezonde-werklunch-levert-de-maatschappij-miljarden-op
