A Business Approach to Obesity
In today’s heavily congested business world, everyone wants to stand out. Previously, all a business needed to succeed was a great idea and a few good workers to bring that idea to fruition. Now, we pay attention to a company’s philosophy and work ethic in addition to their product or service.
It’s no longer just a “perk” in the business world. In fact, having a great reputation can actually be a sound business decision. Many customers seek out products from certain companies who are known to provide great work environments for their employees, and emerging “green” companies are receiving lots of love from customers, investors, tax breaks and more. And, more recently, companies are shifting focus onto something just as urgent: the obesity epidemic.
A Healthy Company is a Happy Company
As the saying goes, a happy employee is a productive employee. Besides the typical donations to non-profit organizations who are dedicated to fighting obesity, many companies are developing innovative ways to keep their employees (and their families) healthy. Many businesses, ranging from banks and video game companies, to Silicon Valley and everything in between, are offering on-site gyms, free or discounted memberships to nearby gyms, and cash incentives for losing weight in an effort to motivate their workers to maintain a healthy body weight.
These proactive solutions aren’t just benefiting employees. Companies that invest in health and wellness programs enjoy lower insurance costs and increased employee satisfaction. More so, these same companies usually have considerably lower turnover rates than companies who don’t offer any wellness programs.
Taking it a Step Further
While the previously mentioned companies offer healthy perks, others are dedicated to fighting the good fight much more directly. These companies create products that are designed to get kids to move more. One such company is called Get Kids Moving from Cleveland, Ohio. Their product, Exercards, is a unique spin on the classic flashcards that helped us learn math. By integrating movement and physical activity into things like learning how to tell time, kids benefit from the double whammy of flexing both their physical and mental muscles.
Another great “why didn’t I think of that” concept is Growums. Created by Michael Ferraro, Growums was designed as a way to get kids to eat their vegetables. There are several themed “kits” that contain everything your child needs to begin growing their own food. In the vein of the kitschy Chia Pet, you just add water and watch them grow over time! In addition to getting your kids to eat their vegetables, it also shows them patience and allows them to enjoy the fruits (or rather, vegetables) of their labor, which could help them favor healthy foods in the long run.
There are so many more examples of businesses either creating products that promote healthy eating lifestyles or implementing healthy environments for their employees to work in; but the mission remains the same – fighting the good fight against obesity. With no real decline in overweight Americans and about one in three kids suffering from obesity, the efforts of these companies are welcomed with open arms . . . and everyone involved benefits from it.
Cited Sources
Kavilanz, Parija. "5 Innovators Fight Childhood Obesity." CNN Money. CNN.com, 30 May 2012. Web. 8 June 2012. <http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/smallbusiness/1205/gallery.childhood-obesity/5.html>.
Lawley Head, Lauren. "5 Ways Employers Can Fight Obesity." Dallas Business Journal. The Business Journals Digital Network, 4 May 2012. Web. 8 June 2012. <http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/blog/2012/05/5-ways-employers-can-fight-obesity.html>.
"Fighting Obesity: The Business Response." Window on State Government (Texas). Web. 8 June 2012. <http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/obesitycost/2007/06fightingobesity.html>.
"Businesses Launch Fight Against Fat." AustrianTimes.at. 18 Oct. 2010. Web. 8 June 2012. <http://www.austriantimes.at/?id=27596>.
"Employers Helping To Fight Child Obesity." HLC.org. Healthcare Leadership Council. Web. 8 June 2012. <http://www.hlc.org/newsroom/employers-helping-to-fight-child-obesity/>.
