The recent competition in the Daily Telegraph to find Britain’s fittest director raised awareness of the fact that many executives have worn themselves out and need to get back into shape to take advantage of the upturn. Are you ready?

The tangible business benefits from making health and fitness a prominent element of a company’s culture are well documented – increased productivity, reduced staff turnover and fewer sick days being some of the major ones.

But as the boss, are you setting the example, or are you one of the thousands of executives who have been working harder and harder in recent years with little thought to your own welfare? Unsurprisingly, research has shown that around one third of SME business owners have increased their working hours by 12.5 hours per week, with 10% now exceeding 50 hours per week.

But given that companies which invest in the wellbeing of their workforce have been shown to perform 10% better in financial terms, could your business benefit from a renewed focus on health?

In the Telegraph’s recent competition to find Britain’s fittest director, the business climate was described as a marathon, with business owners needing to pace themselves for the economic recovery anticipated in 2012. It’s common sense, but business owners will need to enter the gradual upswing with the energy and drive – both for themselves and their staff – to take advantage of new opportunities. A short term view of survival now may leave you too weary to pick up the pace later.

Accountants aren’t generally known for their active lifestyles, but at CBHC we’ve been working on a programme of staff wellbeing for some time. Everyone’s involved, and staff have benefited from a whole range of simple but effective advice and remedies ranging from advice on posture to diet and exercise. It hasn’t been expensive and the positive attitude generated as a result has been well worth it.

Perhaps someone in your company could take on the mantle of wellbeing officer? Otherwise, there are a number of relatively low cost SME consultants who can develop a programme to suit your company.

Whatever you decide, it needs to start at the top. Senior people need to make sure their stress levels are under control, not just for themselves, but also because according to the CIPD, managers have the greatest impact on employees’ wellbeing.

Think beyond fitness and exercise. Consider flexible working, additional time off as an incentive, creative ways of ensuring people take regular screen breaks – even small ideas will have an impact.

And don’t forget yourself when planning wellbeing-related reward schemes. Attach enjoyable incentives to goals, and make targets more definite so you know when you deserve a break. This may sound rather soft coming from accountants, but the business case for keeping yourself and your workforce in shape is undeniable