They say, “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 over 230 pounds, standing at 5'10", and 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 NYC or a glass of wine or a Makers Mark neat 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+ pounds to 175 at the time of writing 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.

Why Wellness Matters in the Workplace

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 out 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 healthcare costs—nearly 21% of U.S. healthcare 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. And 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 like I was before that trend or like 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.

Integrating Wellness into Company Culture

Leading companies across industries are taking proactive steps to support the well-being of their employees, understanding that a healthy workforce 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 industry, where the 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 healthcare 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 look back 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 am I 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 of us in those conference rooms were battling similar health challenges. So, I’m writing this article 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 #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.

U.S. Job Growth Slows: Only 12,000 Added as Strikes, Storms Disrupt Labor Market

The U.S. economy added a modest 12,000 jobs in October 2024, marking the final employment report before a pivotal election and Federal Reserve meeting. This is the lowest it has been since December 2020. This gain is significantly lower than September's revised 223,000 jobs and well under economists' expectations for a 112,500 increase.

Unusually severe disruptions shaped this report. Two hurricanes and widespread labor strikes affected the data collection process. Despite these factors, the unemployment rate remains steady at 4.1%, suggesting underlying stability amid temporary shocks.

According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report, while certain sectors saw steady gains, others reported significant job losses.

Sector-Specific Trends

• Healthcare: This sector continued its positive growth, adding 52,000 jobs, with notable gains in ambulatory services and residential care facilities.

• Government: Employment in government sectors increased by 40,000, marking a continuation of the previous growth trend, especially within state government roles.

• Temporary Help Services: Declines persisted in temporary help, with a reduction of 49,000 positions, contributing to a cumulative loss of over half a million jobs since 2022 in this sector.

• Manufacturing: Employment dropped by 46,000 jobs, largely due to transportation equipment manufacturing strikes.

Wages and Hours Worked

Average hourly earnings for private sector employees increased by 0.4%, bringing the average wage to $35.46 per hour. Over the past year, wages have grown by 4.0%, reflecting a steady rise in earnings. The typical workweek remained unchanged at 34.3 hours across most industries. However, in manufacturing, the average workweek saw a slight drop in overtime hours, primarily due to recent strikes and other disruptions in production.

Revisions and Looking Ahead

The job gains for August and September were revised downward by 112,000, suggesting slower job growth than previously reported. The data provides a strategic look into sectors with high resilience and potential challenges, offering a basis for aligning hiring approaches with the current economic landscape.

My personal view is that in the end this is just one data point. It shows that we are certainly seeing signs of potential hurdles but the unemployment rate is flat at 4.1% so we are still in a stable employment market. If it wasn't for government hiring we would be down on this jobs report. The participation rate was lighter and overall the numbers trended to a negative situation. What does this mean for your hiring positions? It should give more ease to hourly labor roles in terms of what we have seen.

Mike Cioffi is the founder of Tire Talent, a boutique recruiting agency dedicated to our industry. You can reach him directly: [email protected] if you have any questions about this article.