APPX is downsizing. No, that is not a reaction to Steve’s post identifying the various characters that inhabit these premises. Instead, it’s a way of saying that a program that he introduced in January is rather effectively reducing the size of our staff. Cumulatively, by over 100 pounds already!

There’s no doubt that several of us had some extra poundage, and Steve announced in January that the company was starting a new incentive program, to put some money where our mouths are. Now, if we were to fill ourselves on currency and coins, there wouldn’t be as much room for food, but that’s a bit too literal an interpretation. The APPX Weight Loss Management Program, as it was explained to us three months ago, would put $150 on the table every week. That money would be divided up by shares among those who lost weight in the previous week. The more you lose, the more shares you receive. There were two (yes, only two) employees who were already in their target weight ranges - for them, they would earn a share each week for remaining in that range. The rest of us would receive 1/2 share for each 1/2 pound in cumulative weight loss.

Well, there’s nothing like a little competition to kick start a diet and exercise program, right? In these three months, the six of us who were not receiving automatic shares each week have combined for a total loss of 102.5 pounds (46.6 kilos, for those of you in the rest of the world). To date, the biggest winner, or loser depending on your choice of terminology, is … Steve (”It’s my game, I made the rules, so of course I’m winning,” Steve absolutely did not say). The boss has dropped 28.4 lbs. I’m closing in on him, though, at 27.4, and Gary is a close third, at 21.8. Of course, Gary is on a 7-day Caribbean cruise this week, so his chances of remaining competitive have dropped significantly.

What has worked for us all? Steve attributes his success to eating (primarily) only what Brenda provides or allows. I’ve been using guidance from a nutritionist and trainer, eating better, and exercising every day. Gary reduced by not taking Caribbean cruises, up until now. And there have been no bagels and no donuts brought into the office in months.

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’m feeling better than I have in a long time, and it’s rewarding and fun to move clothes into the “too big box” instead of its counterpart. The fact that there’s a financial incentive involved is just a bonus, but a welcome one.

I don’t know if the improved fitness of our company will result in better R&D or customer support, whether it could reduce our health insurance premiums, or perhaps slow down the wear and tear on our carpets and chairs, but the effects are certainly positive, and if a company is going to downsize in this economy, I think this is the best way to do it!

This entry was posted on Friday, April 17th, 2009 at 2:45 pm and is filed under Al. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.