“I want to set the healthcare system on fire,” Mike Tinney, CEO and Founder of FIX Health, told us. “The system is broken.”

He is right. When it comes to healthcare in the United States, there are some key flaws. Rather than talk in circles about the problem, Tinney has a solution for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) by way of competitive, gamified exercise.

The idea is simple: Take steps in the real world to run away from villains in your phone app game. Team members of a business split off into playing teams and play against each other to be the last ones standing (they are running from zombies and aliens, after all).

Here, we sat down with Tinney to discuss the reasons SMBs need to focus on health and wellness for their teams to drive productivity, employee happiness, and maximum output.

Enhanced Productivity and Focus

Regular exercise has been proven to improve cognitive function, increase energy levels, and boost overall productivity. When SMB team members engage in physical activity, they experience improved mental clarity, concentration, and problem-solving abilities. This ultimately leads to more efficient and effective work performance.

Improved Team Dynamics and Collaboration

Ever had trouble coming up with the plethora of creative solutions your business needs from day to day?

Engaging in physical activities as a team fosters a sense of camaraderie, encourages teamwork, and strengthens relationships among team members. Whether it’s participating in group workouts or team sports, exercise promotes mutual support, trust, and collaboration, which are vital for a cohesive and productive work environment.

“We wanted to create something disruptive to the space,” Tinney explained. “A fitness app that can still make you feel like you are playing on and against teams, even when you come home from the office. This makes it spectacular for work-from-home situations post Covid too.”

Reduced Absenteeism and Enhanced Well-Being

Regular exercise and physical health maintenance contribute to overall well-being, reducing the likelihood of illness and absenteeism within the workplace.

“Regular physical activity strengthens the immune system, improves cardiovascular health, and helps manage stress levels,” Tinney said. “Healthy team members are more likely to be present, engaged, and perform at their best, contributing to the overall success of the business. Plus, it’s just fun!”

As Tinney is a self-confessed exercise addict, we aren’t sure if he’s talking about A Step Ahead or running a 10K. Either way, we are inspired and itching to get in the game.

Increased Employee Retention

Incorporating exercise and physical health initiatives demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being, which can improve job satisfaction and loyalty, leading to higher employee retention rates.

Tinney went on, “Think of it like this: We all work to make a living, to go home and do whatever we want to do, if we can — to be with our families, hangout with friends, whatever. If my workplace is sending the message that I can have some form of frivolity with the people I see every single day at the office, it makes that workplace feel more like home. Say what you will about workaholics who blur the lines between work and personal life, but taking care of one’s health shouldn’t be the last thing on that list either way.”

Clearly, there are significant benefits of exercise and physical health for teams, including increased productivity, improved team dynamics, reduced absenteeism, and increased retention.

By prioritizing exercise and physical well-being, SMBs can create a healthier and more vibrant work environment that positively impacts their team’s performance and overall success.

That is the goal for Mike Tinney and his team: To increase wellness and happiness in the workplace.

“We are proud to be the sole company offering a comprehensive, scalable health program designed specifically for small businesses. Our enterprise-grade solution sets us apart from any other company I am aware of. Moreover, we have developed an automated turnkey system that simplifies the implementation process, making it hassle-free for small businesses to adopt our health program,” said Tinney in closing our discussion. “Most of the wellness companies in the space won’t touch an employer of less than a 1,000 people. The ROI on it is awful for them, and they just haven’t figured it out. We are here to bridge that gap.”

And don’t worry, if you want to join in the fun with your family or friends, all are welcome at A Step Ahead.