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Published on: Feb 06, 2026
3 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

Book Of The Quarter: How Building A Reading Habit Strengthens Workplace Wellness

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In an always-connected work environment, sustained focus and mental calm are becoming increasingly rare. Notifications, deadlines and information overload constantly demand attention. In this context, building a simple reading habit can be a powerful wellness intervention. A Book of the Quarter initiative is an effective way for organisations to promote mental wellbeing, learning and cultural connection among employees.

Research from WHO and global workplace wellbeing studies shows that cognitive overload and chronic stress significantly affect employee health, engagement and productivity. Reading offers a natural counterbalance.

What Is a Book of the Quarter Initiative?

A Book of the Quarter initiative involves selecting one thoughtfully curated book every three months and encouraging employees to read it at their own pace. Participation is voluntary and pressure-free.

The focus is not on completion but on:

reflection
discussion
habit formation

Books may be shared physically or digitally.

Why Reading Is a Wellness Tool

Reading is not just an intellectual activity. It has measurable mental health benefits.

Studies cited by Lancet indicate that regular reading:

lowers stress levels
improves concentration
enhances emotional intelligence

Even short daily reading sessions create psychological calm.

The Link Between Reading and Mental Health

Reading activates areas of the brain associated with empathy, imagination and reasoning. This helps:

reduce rumination
improve mood
strengthen emotional resilience

In high-stress work environments, this is particularly valuable.

How Book of the Quarter Builds Healthy Habits

Habits are easier to form when:

expectations are realistic
timeframes are generous
participation feels enjoyable

Quarterly cycles avoid pressure and allow reading to integrate naturally into daily routines.

Benefits for Employees

Reduced Stress and Mental Fatigue

Reading provides a mental break from screens and work demands, lowering stress hormones.

Improved Focus and Attention

Regular reading strengthens attention span, which is often eroded by constant digital distractions.

Emotional Balance and Perspective

Books expose readers to new viewpoints, helping them manage challenges with greater clarity.

Sense of Personal Growth

Employees feel encouraged to invest in themselves beyond work deliverables.

Benefits for Organisations

Stronger Learning Culture

A shared reading initiative reinforces continuous learning as a cultural value.

Improved Engagement

Employees feel supported in holistic growth, not just performance.

Low-Cost, High-Impact Wellness

Unlike complex programs, reading initiatives require minimal investment.

Inclusive Across Roles and Levels

Reading programs cut across hierarchies, promoting connection and inclusivity.

Choosing the Right Books

Effective Book of the Quarter selections are:

accessible
relevant
non-technical
reflective rather than prescriptive

Popular categories include:

mental wellbeing
habits and behaviour
leadership and teamwork
purpose and resilience

Avoid overly academic or productivity-heavy content.

Physical, Digital or Hybrid Formats

Physical Books

Encourage screen-free engagement and shared office spaces.

Digital Books

Ideal for remote and hybrid teams.

A hybrid approach ensures inclusivity.

Encouraging Participation Without Pressure

Participation improves when:

reading is optional
summaries or key ideas are shared
discussions are informal

The goal is habit-building, not compliance.

Adding Light Touchpoints

Optional touchpoints include:

short reflection prompts
informal group discussions
internal posts sharing insights

These enhance connection without burden.

Role in Mental Wellness Strategy

WHO recognises cognitive rest and emotional engagement as pillars of mental wellbeing. Reading addresses both.

Book of the Quarter initiatives:

complement stress management programs
support emotional literacy
reduce burnout risk

They work best as part of a broader wellness ecosystem.

Measuring Impact

Impact can be assessed through:

employee feedback
participation rates
qualitative engagement

The benefits are often subtle but long-lasting.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid:

mandatory participation
performance-linked reading
overly frequent book changes

Simplicity drives sustainability.

Long-Term Cultural Impact

Over time, consistent reading initiatives:

normalise learning beyond roles
strengthen empathy and communication
create psychologically safe environments

Culture evolves through small, repeated actions.

Conclusion

A Book of the Quarter initiative is a powerful yet understated workplace wellness strategy. By encouraging a regular reading habit, organisations support mental calm, cognitive focus and emotional resilience while nurturing a culture of learning and reflection. In a fast-paced work environment, creating space for thoughtful reading is an investment in healthier, more engaged and more balanced teams.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Mental Wellbeing and Cognitive Health
Lancet – Reading, Stress Reduction and Mental Health Studies
NITI Aayog – Workplace Wellness and Learning Culture
EY-FICCI – Employee Engagement and Organisational Wellbeing
ICMR – Occupational Stress and Mental Health Research

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Read FAQs

A. It is a structured program where one book is selected every quarter for employees to read and reflect on.

A. Reading reduces stress, improves focus and supports emotional balance.

A. No. Flexible participation encourages engagement without pressure.

Read Blog

Surprise Challenge Fridays – “Who Packed the Healthiest Lunch?”: A Fun Workplace Wellness Boost

Corporate wellness initiatives are evolving from passive awareness campaigns to interactive, habit-driven engagement models. Among the most creative and impactful ideas is Surprise Challenge Fridays – “Who packed the healthiest lunch?”, a gamified workplace activity designed to promote better nutrition while building team spirit.

In India, lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity are rising steadily. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), poor dietary patterns are a major contributing factor. Workplace environments, where employees spend long hours, play a crucial role in shaping eating habits.

Surprise Challenge Fridays transform everyday lunch breaks into opportunities for preventive health engagement.

Why Nutrition Should Be a Workplace Priority

Rising Lifestyle Diseases

ICMR data indicates:

over 100 million Indians live with diabetes
nearly one in four adults has hypertension
obesity rates are increasing in urban populations

Diet plays a foundational role in managing and preventing these conditions.

Office Food Habits and Health Risks

Common workplace food challenges include:

frequent ordering of processed meals
high sugar and refined carbohydrate intake
irregular meal timings
portion imbalance

Encouraging mindful lunch choices directly addresses these risks.

What Is Surprise Challenge Fridays?

Surprise Challenge Fridays – “Who packed the healthiest lunch?” is a structured wellness activity where:

employees bring home-packed lunches
meals are evaluated on nutritional balance
winners receive recognition or small rewards

The objective is not competition alone but awareness and education.

How the Challenge Works

Step 1: Announce the Surprise

HR or wellness teams announce that a lunch evaluation will take place.

Step 2: Display and Share

Employees share their lunch plates physically or digitally.

Step 3: Scoring Criteria

Meals are evaluated based on:

presence of protein
fibre content
portion control
minimal processed ingredients
inclusion of fruits or vegetables

Step 4: Reward and Recognition

Winners receive:

wellness vouchers
certificates
public recognition
small health-oriented gifts

Recognition reinforces positive behaviour.

Benefits of Surprise Challenge Fridays

Encourages Balanced Nutrition

Employees become more conscious of including:

whole grains
lean protein
vegetables
healthy fats

Builds Team Engagement

Shared participation strengthens workplace culture.

Promotes Preventive Healthcare

Balanced diets reduce risk of metabolic disorders.

Reduces Reliance on Processed Foods

Employees are motivated to cook at home.

Boosts Morale and Creativity

Food presentation and innovative healthy recipes create excitement.

Example of a Balanced Lunch Entry

A high-scoring lunch might include:

multigrain roti or brown rice
dal or grilled paneer
sautéed vegetables
salad portion
fresh fruit

This demonstrates macronutrient balance and portion control.

Supporting Data on Workplace Nutrition

WHO workplace health guidelines emphasise that nutrition interventions at work:

reduce absenteeism
improve productivity
enhance long-term health outcomes

EY-FICCI corporate wellness reports also highlight nutrition-focused programs as high-return investments.

Virtual Adaptation for Hybrid Teams

Remote teams can participate by:

sharing photos on digital platforms
submitting ingredient lists
attending virtual nutrition review sessions

Inclusivity ensures equal participation.

Integrating Expert Guidance

To enhance impact:

dietitians can review entries
short nutrition education sessions can follow
weekly health tips can be shared

Education strengthens behaviour change.

Creating a Sustainable Habit Culture

Rather than one-time events, organisations can:

conduct monthly nutrition challenges
track healthy participation
integrate with broader wellness programs

Consistency drives long-term results.

Addressing Common Concerns

Fear of Judgment

Ensure:

positive tone
no shaming
voluntary participation

The focus is education, not comparison.

Dietary Diversity

Respect:

cultural food preferences
vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices
regional dietary variations

Healthy eating is flexible.

Measuring Impact

Organisations can track:

participation rates
employee feedback
improved dietary awareness

Wellness metrics reflect program success.

Long-Term Health Impact

Encouraging balanced lunches can:

stabilise blood sugar
reduce energy crashes
improve focus
prevent weight gain

Small dietary shifts compound over time.

Conclusion

Surprise Challenge Fridays – “Who packed the healthiest lunch?” is more than a fun activity—it is a strategic workplace wellness intervention. By combining education, gamification and recognition, organisations can foster healthier eating habits, improve engagement and reduce long-term lifestyle disease risk. When nutrition becomes part of workplace culture, both employees and employers benefit from improved health, productivity and morale.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Nutrition and Lifestyle Disease Reports
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Dietary and Health Data
World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Health Promotion Guidelines
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare Strategy Reports
EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Productivity Studies

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