The mid-afternoon biscuit run may feel harmless, but it could be doing more damage than staff realise.
From desk-side crisps to sugary drinks grabbed between meetings, everyday eating habits are leaving many employees tired, distracted and struggling to concentrate.
New figures suggest the issue is widespread. Research from Lifesum, a nutrition app used by millions to track food and health habits, found that 62 percent of UK employees said unhealthy eating left them feeling tired or unfocused at work.
While workplace wellbeing has long focused on mental health and fitness, diet appears to have slipped under the radar, despite its direct impact on energy and concentration.
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The 3pm slump: More than just a feeling
For many workers, the afternoon slump has become a daily routine. But the data suggests it is not simply down to workload or poor sleep.
More than half of employees said food cravings affected their focus during the working day, while almost half reported energy crashes linked to what they eat. The dips often arrive at predictable times, fuelling a cycle of quick fixes, short bursts of energy and another crash soon after.
The foods most commonly linked to these patterns are familiar staples of office life. Crisps, chocolate and biscuits sit alongside pizza, ready meals and sugary cereals, while fizzy drinks and processed snacks offer convenience at the cost of sustained energy.
They’re often eaten quickly, at desks or between tasks, making them an easy default in busy working environments.
Why ultra-processed foods are hard to resist
At the centre of the issue are ultra-processed foods, which now make up a significant portion of the UK diet. Many employees believe these foods are not just convenient but difficult to stop eating once opened.
A large majority of workers said they felt ultra-processed foods were designed to be hard to resist, while many also reported regret after consuming them. Attempts to cut back often fall short, suggesting that willpower alone may not be enough to change habits.
Emelie Fritz, a workplace wellbeing director at Lifesum, said the link between diet and performance was becoming harder to ignore. “If employees are experiencing energy dips and reduced focus linked to what they eat, it has clear implications for productivity and long-term health,” she said.
“Nutrition remains one of the most underleveraged factors in workplace wellbeing.”
A hidden cost for employers
Behind the humour of biscuit tins and snack drawers sits a more serious issue for employers. Experts say diet-related energy dips can affect concentration, decision-making and overall performance, while longer-term health risks add further pressure.
Ultra-processed foods account for a large share of calorie intake in the UK and have been linked to conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These are all associated with higher levels of absenteeism, presenteeism and healthcare costs.
The result is a quiet but persistent drag on workplace performance, one that is rarely addressed directly.
There are also signs that attitudes may be changing. Almost half of employees said they would support stronger regulation of ultra-processed foods, suggesting growing awareness of their impact.
Moving beyond the fruit bowl
The findings point to a gap between traditional wellbeing initiatives and the everyday reality of how people eat at work.
Gym memberships and mental health support remain important, but they do little to address the food environment employees navigate each day. From vending machines to office snacks, the easiest options are often the least beneficial for sustained energy.
Improving this does not require drastic intervention, say health experts. Small changes, such as offering healthier alternatives, encouraging proper breaks and reducing reliance on highly processed snacks, could make a noticeable difference.
That quick biscuit break may offer a moment of comfort, but it might also be setting up the next energy crash.
William Furney is a Managing Editor at Black and White Trading Ltd based in Kingston upon Hull, UK. He is a prolific author and contributor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional, with over 127 published posts covering HR, employee engagement, and workplace wellbeing topics. His writing focuses on contemporary employment issues including pension schemes, employee health, financial struggles affecting workers, and broader workplace trends.
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
