Cioffi: The hidden cost of neglected health

It's often said, "Health is wealth," but I've learned firsthand that it's more than that — it's the key to long-term success in any role. Unfortunately, I had to learn that lesson the hard way, and now, I feel it's time to share that insight.

As another birthday comes and goes, I find myself reflecting not just on the passage of time but on the journey of transformation that has brought me here.

Health is often something we take for granted, especially when we're young, busy, and consumed by the demands of work and family. It's easy to push our well-being to the back burner, convinced that we can always prioritize it later.

But for many of us, "later" comes with a wake-up call — a realization that our most valuable asset isn't our time, our money, or even our skills.

It's our health.

There was a time when I weighed more than 230 pounds, standing at 5-foot-10, and I was living what many would describe as the "SAD" (Standard American Diet) life. I was on a trajectory that could have led to diabetes, heart disease and a host of other preventable conditions.

My Italian-American upbringing meant that food was more than sustenance. It was culture, comfort and sometimes a crutch.

A slice of Junior's cheesecake after a long day at work on the Metro North home from New York City, or a glass of wine or a Maker's Mark meant to unwind had become routine, but what I didn't realize at the time was the toll this lifestyle was taking on my health and, ultimately, my productivity.

Like many Americans, I was caught in a cycle of poor dietary habits and stress-management techniques that were slowly eroding my well-being.

It wasn't until I began to feel the physical and mental toll that I understood the cost of neglecting my well-being. Since then, I've made significant changes, and those changes have transformed not just my health but also my outlook on life and work.

I've gone from 230-plus pounds to 175 at the time of this article, and while weight is just one metric, it has been a critical factor in improving my overall well-being. It was directly correlated to how I was feeling and my overall productivity.

I've adopted a more balanced diet, found healthier ways to manage stress, and prioritized physical activity. The results have been transformative — not just in terms of my physical health, but in my ability to lead, make decisions and perform at my best.

The impact of health on productivity and business success is undeniable.

In the U.S., neglected health, particularly related to obesity and chronic conditions, has become a significant burden on both individuals and organizations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 40% of American adults are classified as obese.

Obesity-related conditions, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death.

These health issues don't just affect individuals — they ripple to affect families, communities and businesses. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that chronic conditions related to obesity account for an estimated $190.2 billion annually in health-care costs — nearly 21% of U.S. health care spending.

For businesses, this translates to lost productivity, higher insurance premiums and a greater burden on hiring teams trying to manage the fallout. The CDC estimates that absenteeism due to obesity costs U.S. employers $3.38 billion annually. For small businesses like ours, these costs can be the difference between thriving and just getting by.

But the financial implications are just one side of the story. When I was at my heaviest, I wasn't just carrying extra weight— I was carrying extra stress, fatigue and anxiety.

I wasn't fully present for my family, my clients or my team as I was before that trend or as I am currently. Not saying big guys aren't fully present — just saying the likelihood we aren't fully optimized and working to our full potential is most likely a fair assumption.

For everyone in the tire and automotive industry, the stakes are even higher. We rely on our teams to be at their best every day, but when health issues arise, they can disrupt operations, reduce efficiency and increase costs. This is why more organizations are starting to recognize the importance of employee wellness and are integrating it into their culture and hiring strategies.

Leading companies across industries are taking steps to support the well-being of their employees, understanding that a healthy work force is a more productive, engaged and loyal workforce.

For example, many organizations now offer wellness programs that include gym memberships, mental health support and nutrition counseling. Some are even redesigning workspaces to encourage movement and reduce sedentary behavior, which has been linked to numerous health issues.

In the tire and automotive-service industry, where physical demands on employees can be significant, these wellness initiatives can make a substantial difference. Companies are also beginning to see the value of integrating wellness into their hiring strategies. By promoting a culture of health and well-being, they attract candidates who value these aspects, leading to a more motivated and committed workforce.

A study by the American Psychological Association found that employees who feel supported in their well-being are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs, stay with their employers longer and perform better. This is particularly important for small businesses, where every team member plays a critical role in success.

Investing in employee wellness isn't just about offering benefits, it's about creating a culture where health is prioritized and valued.

This shift not only improves the lives of employees but also enhances the overall performance and sustainability of the business. The Harvard Business Review reports that for every dollar spent on wellness programs, employers see an average return of $2.71 in reduced absenteeism and health-care costs.

As someone who has experienced the benefits of a healthier lifestyle firsthand, I can't overstate the importance of wellness in the workplace. It's not just about preventing health challenges, but also about fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported and equipped to do their best work.

Prioritizing wellness is a strategic move that pays dividends in employee engagement, productivity and ultimately, business success. If you're not already incorporating wellness into your company's culture and hiring strategy, now is the time to start.

Whether it's through offering wellness programs, creating a supportive work environment or simply leading by example, the impact on your team and your bottom line can be profound.

As I reflect on my own journey, I'm reminded that health is not just a personal responsibility. Moreover, it's a business imperative as the current trend in overall spend looks to be unsustainable. By investing in our well-being and the well-being of our teams, we can build stronger, more resilient businesses that are equipped to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

For those of you who may be struggling with your health, I know how challenging it can be to make changes, but I also know that the benefits far outweigh the costs.

By taking small, manageable steps, we can reclaim our health and, in doing so, reclaim our ability to lead our teams effectively. I'm not a doctor, nor a health expert. I'm simply someone who spends a lot of time thinking and writing about people —particularly in the HR and talent space.

Health and wellness have become such critical topics, and I feel it's important to raise more awareness around them, especially for business owners and leaders. When I used to attend events at my "fluffiest," I looked around and realized I was far from alone — many in those conference rooms were battling similar health challenges.

So, I'm writing this as one of you, hoping to inspire others to take action, not just for themselves, but for their teams and families. Our health is, without question, the number 1 business asset we have, and protecting it should be a priority.

As we move forward, I encourage you to take a moment to assess where you are on your health journey.

Are there changes you can make to improve your well-being? Can you implement wellness initiatives in your workplace to support your team's health?

Remember, when we invest in our health, we're not just investing in ourselves — we're investing in the future of our businesses and the people who depend on us.