Employee engagement is a lot like a New Year’s resolution to join the gym. You start out with the best intentions, but if you let it slide, it still costs you (and you have to avoid your trainer in the ice cream aisle at the supermarket). This year, get employee engagement right. That means you can’t quit.

Here’s our training regimen for a fresh start in the new year:

Commit

Sometimes, it helps to have skin in the game. With the gym, you sign the contract, and set up auto-pay. Whether you show up or not, you’re in. For employee engagement, set aside funding and get senior leader buy-in. You know it’s the right thing to do for the business outcomes you need.

Seek Professional Help

A trainer can help you set realistic stretch goals. Mine has challenged me to increase my cardio and work on flexibility. And she actually checks my card at the gym every week to see if I’ve been working the program she set up.  Companies like ours are like your trainer. We can help you design a program that works for you, and keep you on track. Like my trainer, we can help you achieve more.

Show Up and Do the Hard Work

Let’s face it. It’s boring to put in 30 minutes on the treadmill. I’ve seen every video they’ve got to pretend I’m actually outside. But that’s the path to health and after I’m done, I feel good. I’ve benefited myself and my family by getting and staying healthy. Same goes for a recognition program. If you keep showing up, keep using the tools available, and reaching out to your team, you’ll keep your workplace healthy and on the right track, too. It’s an every day, long term effort, and it’s worth it.

When You Want to Quit, Don’t.

If you quit, nothing good will come of it. Not at the gym. Not at the office.

Celebrate the Successes

Lost 20 pounds with three months of blood, sweat, and tears? It’s okay to celebrate with a friends, maybe over a pizza at your favorite restaurant. Achieved something great at work? The same recommendation applies. Get together. Share a meal or a laugh. Celebrate with colleagues and build your community.

It may be a cliché, but it’s true: Engagement, like getting or staying healthy, is a marathon, not a sprint. Make the time and stick with it. You’ll be glad you did.