A HEALTHY lifestyle means a healthy workplace.
It is a sound concept enthusiastically taken on board by Highlands Property owner and managing director Geoff O’Reilly.
Mr O’Reilly is footing a large portion of the bill for every member of his staff keen to go to the gym.
He is even providing them with extra time during their work hours to meet their fitness commitment.
Mr O’Reilly said he was inspired to “shout his Highland Property team” - made up of 20 mostly female staff - to the gym after seeing the benefits his wife, Jan, had gained from a gym membership.
“My wife joined Contours gym early in the year to help her manage an illness where she suffered fatigue and a lack of energy,” he said.
“The experience completely transformed her - it changed her health and her outlook.
“It reinforced my long-held belief that exercise was valuable to all-round well-being.”
Mr O’Reilly said he recognised that working in property management could be hard work.
He said that it could be a mentally exhausting job and he wanted to show support to his team by providing them with an outlet.
Mr O’Reilly decided to offer a month’s Contours membership to the 18 female staff at Highlands Property.
It was an offer enthusiastically taken up by most.
He added that the two male staff members, himself and Peter Wakeling were also staying fit.
Mr O’Reilly said he enjoyed walking wherever possible while Mr Wakeling was a keen local sportsman.
“I told the girls I would pay for a month’s membership in July, but the offer was so enthusiastically taken up and enjoyed that I have decided to continue my support indefinitely,” he said.
Mr O’Reilly is now subsidising the gym membership of any staff member who wants to continue with their workout program.
“I also allow the team to take a longer lunch break to go to the gym two or three times each week.
“It’s a concept that is creating great camaraderie among the staff with several heading to the gym to do their workouts together.
“And the group dynamic means that if anyone appears to lose interest there are plenty of others urging them to continue.”
Mr O’Reilly said there had always been a great deal of commitment offered by his staff, but the new gym program had further boosted the business and the enthusiasm of his staff.
“I’ve always been a strong believer that health and fitness are good for the body and the brain,” he said.
“I’ve also always been interested in the welfare of those who work for me.
“I think this (gym membership) is a way of giving back and supporting a great team.
“I would encourage other business people to do something similar for their staff.”
The program has been equally well received by staff who concede it is a generous offer from Mr O’Reilly that it is reaping social, physical and productivity rewards.
Office manager Holly Thompson said she was struggling with a sore neck from sitting at a computer until she started on her gym program.
She said the program was great for office morale and team building.
Meanwhile property management licensee Kate Johnson said everyone had become more productive in the office.
Sales consultant Dot Hamilton, who describes herself as the “grandma of the team” said she was impressed by the support and encouragement she received from the other staff and the team at Contours gym.
“Contours offers a safe environment where everyone can feel comfortable regardless of their age, fitness level or shape - the instructors at the gym are very supportive.”