Everybody wants to feel better, look better and be healthier. This is true on an individual and corporate level. Fortunately, there are many ways you can give fitness to your crew outside of getting a building permit and adding a fitness center on to your office.

Many health clubs will allow you to purchase a type of corporate membership where you can “buy” a particular number of memberships for a bulk rate. You can pay for your memberships on a monthly or yearly basis. With this type of program, you can change the employees on your membership plan as employees come on board or leave the company.

In addition to being a health benefit for your employees, it is also an excellent recruitment and retention tool.

Of course, there are other, less financially strapping options. It is common for fitness clubs to offer special corporate membership rates with the club only asking that the business promote membership at our Club. I generally offer businesses a special and amazingly low initiation and monthly rate. Employees have the opportunity to take advantage of a real fitness “value” while it costs the business practically nothing! All you do is offer the deal to your employees.

Some other options you may want to pursue are: to pay for your employees’ initiation fees, provide a paid hour to workout during (or following) the work day or pay for a portion of your employee’s dues. I worked for a company in Seattle that paid half of my dues when I provided them a detailed receipt of my gym account.

If you prefer to give everyone something “material,” there’s always the option to provide them with sporting equipment such as weights, exercise bands, exercise videos and other types of sporting equipment. This provides your employees the tools to exercise in the privacy of their own homes — and on their own time. Another consideration is workout attire. Both equipment and attire are available at most local sports shops.

Giving fitness is also about giving your business a gift, too. You’ll benefit by improving the health of your employees and decrease employee absenteeism, enhance the overall “mood” in the office and increase productivity. All of these can positively affect your bottom line.

This year, give your employees a lasting and life-long gift. Fitness and good health will keep them happier and more productive assets to your business. With this gift, everybody wins!

(Editor’s Note: Andrea Regal, manager of Olympic Fitness in Port Orchard has a background in leadership training and development. She can be reached at (360) 871-3433.).