More than an apple: better lunch enhances bus drivers’ work performance and well-being

Abstract

This study aims to seek affordable solutions to help bus drivers reach their health goals and improve work performance. Guided by Herzberg’s motivation theory and self-determination theory, the study investigates ways of reducing the psychological risks bus drivers face by conducting an experiment among them in Shenzhen, China. During the experiment, a serving of fresh fruit (e.g., an apple or a banana) was added to their lunch for 3 weeks. The enhanced lunch helped improve work performance and well-being. Specifically, eating an extra apple or banana was found to reduce depression, and improve self-efficacy and traffic safety. The results indicate that bus drivers could be motivated to work harder as a response to small attention paid to them. This research contributes to a better understanding of food impact on work performance and well-being. It also makes a theoretical contribution to the debate on how hygiene factors may alter job performance.

Keywords:

• bus driver
• public safety
• traffic safety
• work performance
• depression
• well-being: self-efficacy
• working condition

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.