As the New Year unfolds, many are embarking on essential health detoxes after the indulgences of the holiday season. This January, the push for wellness feels more significant to me following a personal health scare that heightened my awareness of just how fragile our well-being can be, emphasizing the importance of caring for ourselves and our coworkers.

In my youth, I was largely unaware of the significance of staying fit. During my school years, I showed little interest in sports and fitness. Though I participated in running and rugby, my family’s financial constraints prevented me from enjoying active vacations, which I eagerly embraced once I began earning a solid income.

A pivotal shift in my health journey occurred later in life when I realized the numerous benefits of fitness. It served not only to combat the encroaching midlife weight gain but also illuminated the close relationship between physical health and work performance.

During the early stages of growing HomeServe, while balancing long work hours and raising a young family, prioritizing exercise was not on my list until I decided to treat my health with the same discipline I applied to my business endeavors.

To this end, I developed a routine where four mornings a week, I would invest an hour in the gym as part of my commute from Yorkshire to Walsall. My mornings started at 5:15 am with breakfast, followed by a ten-minute drive to the gym from 7:30 to 8:30 am; this allowed ample time to tackle emails and prepare before arriving at the office.

Now based in London, I maintain a disciplined approach to fitness: running to the gym, engaging in weight training, swimming, enjoying breakfast, and then taking a taxi to our King’s Cross office by 8 am. My current routine emphasizes a healthier lifestyle, avoiding red and processed meats and starting each day with vegetable juice and a Moju ginger shot.

For years, I took advantage of the complimentary health check-ups provided by HomeServe through Aviva Healthcare. However, upon turning 60 last September, I opted for a more thorough health evaluation, which included a full-body MRI, colonoscopy, and various specialized blood tests. This decision proved crucial when, just before Christmas, I underwent successful keyhole surgery to remove a 3cm tumor from my stomach. Fortunately, the tumor was benign, and the chances of recurrence are minimal.

This experience underscored the necessity of being proactive about our health. The urgency of this message was further amplified when I heard Olympic champion Chris Hoy share his battle with prostate cancer, urging the public to heed warning signs and consider annual check-ups.

Although comprehensive health packages can be expensive—ranging from £3,000 to £5,000 for full-body scans—the financial commitment becomes justifiable when considering that an average family might spend around £1,700 daily for a skiing holiday in Europe. We readily invest significant amounts to maintain our cars and boilers, so why not prioritize our own health?

However, we cannot rely solely on the expertise of the medical community and technological advancements. It is vital that we take responsibility for our well-being—engaging in regular exercise, embracing a nutritious diet, ensuring sufficient sleep, and dedicating time to nurture relationships with family and friends.

I recommend the book Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia, which is filled with practical insights on extending longevity through strategic approaches to physical, cognitive, and emotional health—incorporating straightforward preventive measures into our daily routines.

Both individuals and organizations need to shift from a treatment-oriented mindset to one of prevention. Being aware of susceptibility to ailments like diabetes and mental health challenges can empower lifestyle transformations. It’s essential for companies to provide screenings and consultations for staff, fostering open discussions about risk factors instead of hiding them out of embarrassment.

In my early business days, health check-ups were seen as optional extras, whereas today they are fundamental to fostering a company culture focused on welfare and retention of talent. This becomes even more crucial with an ageing workforce and rising retirement ages. Healthy, happy employees are less costly and contribute significantly to growth. My most successful meetings and negotiations occurred when I felt well-rested and mentally sharp.

This year, strive to cultivate a health-oriented culture within your organization by launching wellness initiatives. Encourage employees to take proactive steps for their health, appoint wellness champions, and potentially offer digital healthcare tools or webinars. Leaders should not hesitate to showcase their fitness achievements; such openness fosters inspiration and encourages team members to pursue their own health goals, which ultimately enhances morale through healthy competition.

Beyond offering health check-ups, consider incentives like discounts on gym memberships, providing healthier snacks instead of unhealthy options, or introducing fruit into the workplace. Substituting carrots for cookie jars could yield better results, in my experience.

Your health is your most valuable asset, and the health of your employees holds immense value for your company. Do not overlook either.

Richard Harpin is the founder and chairman of HomeServe and also serves as a Growth Partner and owner of Business Leader.