29 Oct The Evil Presence that Lurks in the Workplace at Halloween

Originally posted by Denise Rand on https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com

Halloween can be a very scary time of the year for HR pros! An evil presence is out to kill the efforts being put into company wellness programs—Halloween candy. Yes, it seems like Halloween becomes the end of year “kickoff party” for calorie-, sugar-, and fat-filled holiday celebrations in workplaces, sabotaging companies’ health efforts.

And besides candy, it’s a safe bet there will be plenty of orange-colored cakes, cupcakes, donuts, and even orange bagels within easy reach. However, there are some proactive steps the HR department can take to keep your employees from falling victim to a sugar rush and extra holiday pounds.

Health experts Dian Griesel, PhD, and Tom Griesel, authors of the book The TurboCharged Mind (January 2012, BSH), offer the following tips to avoid a crash:

• Make an office resolution to keep out of the office all the extra candy that the kids brought home or that didn’t go to the trick-or-treaters.
• Start the day by brewing a pot of pumpkin-flavored coffee or tea. This should help get coworkers in the spirit of things.
• Bring in a variety of fruit for morning break and colored veggies for enjoyment at lunch or afternoon break.
• Take a lunchtime walk to see the change of foliage and get some fresh autumn air.
• If your “office bakers” must produce Halloween treats, have them try making a gluten-free, low-, or sugar-free pumpkin pie. There are even many recipes for crust-less, no-shortening versions that make things even more healthful—and easy.