{"id":12708,"date":"2020-02-19T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-19T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/google-is-re-engineering-the-way-employees-eat\/"},"modified":"2022-11-04T05:21:16","modified_gmt":"2022-11-04T09:21:16","slug":"google-is-re-engineering-the-way-employees-eat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/google-is-re-engineering-the-way-employees-eat\/","title":{"rendered":"Google Is Re-engineering The Way Employees Eat"},"content":{"rendered":"

Google has long been known for its incredible work benefits\u2014even in Silicon Valley, where tech start-ups frequently offer generous and competitive programs. In particular, the tech giant\u2019s on-site dining options significantly increase employee satisfaction, retaining and attracting top talent.<\/p>\n

The cafeterias have succeeded in creating positive social spaces and happy employees, but over the past five years, Google has wanted to achieve even more with its food program. Now, Google wants to alter people\u2019s diet choices to be healthier.<\/p>\n

Their approach is unique in that it does not require employees to eat a certain way, nor does it eliminate unhealthy choices. Sodas, sweet snacks, desserts, and other less healthy items have not been removed from the menu. Rather, Google has focused on rearranging the \u201cfoodscape\u201d of cafeteria layouts and snack rooms as well as making vegetable dishes and healthier options more delicious and plentiful.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s all about the presentation: salad bars are placed up front, vegetable options have been expanded and placed first in the buffet line, smaller plates are provided, and dessert and meat portions have been reduced. Water and health snacks are displayed more prominently, while candies and sodas are stored in opaque bins and refrigerator compartments. \u201cSpa water\u201d\u2014filled with fresh fruit or cucumbers\u2014is accessible throughout the buildings.<\/p>\n

According to this investigation<\/a>, the program seems to be making quite an impact. In Google\u2019s New York office, which serves more than 10,000 people each day, thousands of salads are served for breakfast\u2014an option that was introduced just a couple years ago and certainly one that isn\u2019t a typical breakfast choice in America. Water consumption has skyrocketed, as has seafood consumption. By moving unhealthy snacks farther away from the coffee machines, Google reduced snacking<\/a> by 23% for men and 17% for women.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Choice Architecture To Encourage Healthy Decisions<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s no doubt that Google is uniquely positioned to dedicate a huge amount of resources to their employees\u2019 wellness. However, that doesn\u2019t mean their tactics can\u2019t be applied in companies with much fewer resources.<\/p>\n

Google\u2019s strategy made use of something called \u201cchoice architecture.\u201d In behavioral science, this is when an environment is altered to change people\u2019s behavior. Choice architecture doesn\u2019t need to be something grand like building elaborate programs or new infrastructure. These can be subtle, intentional choices aimed to direct workers towards healthier decisions without using more company resources, such as the options below.<\/p>\n