Ultra-processed foods: The silent productivity killer

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) represent a significant health concern for employers. According to Northeastern University’s Network Science Institute, UPFs make up 73% of the U.S. food supply.

Common examples of UPFs include pre-packaged snacks, packaged baked goods, sugary cereals, and ready meals. These foods are typically high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt, while lacking essential nutrients.

Despite their ubiquity, UPFs are associated with serious health risks. A comprehensive review published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), the largest of its kind, found that UPFs increase the likelihood of cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, adverse mental health, and premature death.

Alarmingly, over 60% of the average American adult’s daily caloric intake comes from these foods. Our latest research at Lifesum indicates that 1 in 6 U.S. employees self-identifies as addicted to UPFs, with an overwhelming majority (85.4%) consuming them at least once a week.

The high consumption of UPFs in the workplace perpetuates a cycle of poor health outcomes that detrimentally affect productivity.

Improving dietary habits through better nutrition can enhance cognitive function, physical health, and overall work performance. Promoting healthier food choices is, therefore, a vital component of effective workplace wellness programs.

Let’s delve into how UPFs can significantly impact workplace productivity.

Mental health effects

Our research reveals that a substantial majority of U.S. employees (74.5%) report that UPFs negatively affect their mood regulation at work. This highlights the crucial need to address the psychological impacts of dietary choices, especially concerning mental health in the workplace.

Diets rich in UPFs are linked to a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Such mental health issues can lead to decreased motivation, reduced creativity, and impaired stress management at work.

Chronic stress resulting from poor mental health can reduce job performance and increase the likelihood of errors. Additionally, UPFs can contribute to systemic inflammation, which has been associated with mental health problems like depression, further affecting workplace engagement and productivity.

Reduced energy levels

A significant majority of U.S. employees (78.6%) also report that UPFs negatively impact their energy levels at work.

This widespread acknowledgment highlights the critical role of diet in maintaining vitality and underscores the need to focus on the nutritional quality of food choices to sustain energy and productivity throughout the day.

UPFs tend to provide a quick burst of energy but lack the sustained nutritional value needed for lasting vitality. This often results in mid-day energy crashes and a decline in productivity. Over time, poor dietary habits can lead to chronic fatigue, making it challenging for employees to sustain consistent performance and productivity throughout the workday.

Cognitive impairment

Nearly two-thirds (62.3%) of U.S. employees report that UPFs negatively affect their cognitive function at work. This reflects a growing recognition of the critical link between diet and brain health.

UPFs are often high in refined sugars, causing rapid spikes and crashes in blood glucose levels. These fluctuations can disrupt energy levels, concentration, and alertness, impairing overall cognitive performance.

Moreover, UPFs typically lack essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for optimal brain function. A deficiency in these nutrients can hinder memory, learning, and decision-making abilities.

Impact on sleep quality

UPFs with high sugar and fat content can significantly disrupt sleep quality. This dietary disruption often leads to poor sleep, which negatively affects cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making abilities.

Additionally, poor sleep from consuming UPFs slows reaction times and hampers problem-solving skills, directly diminishing workplace performance and productivity. Chronic sleep deprivation exacerbates stress and anxiety, compounding its detrimental effects on both mental and physical health.

Related: Study shows AI tools adding to workload, burnout, not productivity

Summary

Excessive consumption of UPFs in the workplace contributes to a harmful cycle of health problems, including cognitive impairment and reduced energy levels that negatively impact productivity.

Enhancing dietary habits by encouraging better nutrition can improve cognitive function, boost physical health, and increase overall work performance. Fostering healthier eating choices is crucial for effective workplace wellness programs.

By addressing these dietary factors and promoting healthier eating habits, individuals can achieve improved wellbeing, which in turn enhances both personal wellness and professional efficiency.

Wesleigh Roeca, Workplace wellbeing Director at Lifesum.