Jon Stanton

I had the opportunity this morning to speak to the employees of the Takata Corporation in Auburn Hills. Takata is an auto-supply company that manufactures airbags and seatbelt components. Special thanks to Erin Stuart and her crew for making me feel so welcome!

Takata is kicking off an 8-week long walking challenge to encourage their employees to develop healthy lifestyle patterns. I think that is GREAT! I know I would have had a much more difficult time shedding 230 pounds if my employer had not given me the flexibility to walk. Not only is Takata providing an opportunity for their employees to walk, they're also providing incentives! Todays incentives included free food (organic and healthy!), a free pedometer, maps of places nearby to walk, and inspiration from yours truly. Additional incentives include prizes for the 3 individuals that walk the longest distance in the next 8 weeks.

Companies stand to benefit when their employees are healthy. Not only does it reduce health insurance premium costs, but productivity soars when your employees have the opportunity to take a short break and walk. Walking re-energizes the body, releases endorphins, and has the potential to increase productivity markedly - especially in the post-lunch afternoon when many of us feel down as our blood sugar increases.

If you are a business owner, human resources manager, or in some kind of managerial position and have the ability to encourage walking and fitness for your employees, I have three words for you...GO FOR IT! You'll be amazed at the benefits. Congratulations to the management at Takata for realizing that healthy employees are an important component to business success!