Tory Johnson: Get Paid to Lose Weight

March 27, 2007 — -- Rockford Acromatic Products is into serious competition. Not only is the company a player in the auto parts industry, its 80 employees are kicking butt on the fitness front too.

The company initiated a health and wellness program aimed at helping -- and rewarding -- staffers lose weight and exercise more. The benefits included shrinking waistlines and some padding in their bank accounts. The company says it spends about $12,000 a year on a fitness regimen, which covers administrative costs and the rewards they've paid to successful participants.

In addition to savings in health insurance coverage and lost productivity on sick days, perhaps the biggest benefit Rockford has realized from this investment is an increase in productivity and morale. Risk manager Jim Knutsen says there's a new energy and excitement among employees about going to work every day and that does wonders for any workplace.

Even though in some cases, senior management leads the mission on health, the reality is anyone can be the catalyst for change within an organization.

Start today by talking to your colleagues. Figure out what matters most to them. In addition to the obvious target of losing weight, for some it may be other health goals such as quitting smoking, exercising more, or cutting out bad eating habits.

We've seen on "Good Morning America" that couples and families that diet together succeed together; the same is true in the office. Colleagues who focus on a common goal can achieve some pretty powerful results.

Yet, keep in mind that for many people, dieting and other health concerns are personal issues that they have no desire sharing with co-workers. Respect those wishes and avoid forcing their hands. Instead, studies show that the enthusiasm and success of participating employees will lead to increased participation by others.

Pardon the pun, but creating a healthy sense of competition really works. People respond to competition and rewards --