By Melissa J. Anderson (New York City)

After all those holiday snacks, many people resolve to eat better and exercise more in the new year. But fitness is more than just an individual goal. Company fitness programs have risen in popularity since the 1990s. They are often seen as perk for busy employees – after all, it’s difficult for many individuals to squeeze in time at the gym between work and home.

But these kind of programs can be a boon for your company as well – employee-wide programs can raise productivity, decrease healthcare costs, and serve as a team-builder for your company.

According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, exercise can actually be a preventative measure against sickness. Laura Landro writes, “Now, a growing body of research is showing that regular exercise—as simple as a brisk 30- to 45-minute walk five times a week—can boost the body’s immune system, increasing the circulation of natural killer cells that fight off viruses and bacteria.” As an immune system booster, company-wide fitness programs can reduce sick time and overall healthcare costs – and that is just the beginning.