How veganism can support wellness in the workplace
In recognition of November being World Vegan Month.
Increasingly, companies are growing to understand and engage with the multiple benefits that a healthy diet such as veganism can bring to their businesses. Big names endorsing the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products include IBM, Qualcomm, PwC, Caterpillar, General Electric, Volkswagen, Google, Facebook and Dropbox, all of whom have embraced employee-led vegan initiatives in their workplaces with positive results.
Companies report that the greatest benefit is the improved health and wellbeing of their employees. Veganism has been linked to lower BMI, blood pressure and cholesterol, all of which reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer and Type Two Diabetes among other damaging or potentially fatal diseases.
The practice has also been shown to have a positive impact on mental health through improved mood and reduced anxiety because of the absence of arachidonic acid in a meat-free diet. Arachidonic acid is an inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid found in animal products.
The improved physical and mental health of employees has wide-ranging benefits for businesses. These include a reduced number of sick days, increased productivity and lower insurance and health care expenses, all of which cut company costs and increase profitability.
The focus on wellbeing goes beyond the bottom line; increasingly potential employees and clients are attracted to businesses that follow inclusive, environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. Veganism not only promotes animal welfare, it can also diminish an individual’s carbon footprint by up to 73%. This means a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which decreases air pollution, a significant contributor to climate change. A reduction in the amount of land used for agricultural purposes would decrease the threat to endangered species of wildlife.
Forward looking firms are those supporting and encouraging these kinds of employee-led initiatives, as they are concurrently helping their employees, their businesses, and the environment.
At JHA we are committed to supporting the wellness of our employees by supporting and encouraging positive diet and lifestyle choices.
Data in this article comes from articles published in the Independent and Forbes.
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