'Viable'. That's the definition of the word vitality in the dictionary. Is it not surprising that not every company is actively working on this yet? Because we always want to be viable, right? Energetic, powerful and full of zest for life? Ready for the future? Because we know and now experience how quickly everything can change?

In practice, I notice that entrepreneurs often do not really know what the subject of vitality entails and how to deal with it. I come across comments like: “That's only for older employees”, “I'm not going to interfere with someone's lifestyle” and “Precious”.

At the same time, entrepreneurs also have questions: “How do I ensure committed and enthusiastic employees”, “How do I keep talent on board” and “How can I work structurally on the good employability of my team members and on low absenteeism.” The answers to these questions have everything to do with vitality. Not a buzzword, not a must-have, but a real business case.

Various studies show that investing in vitality yields an average of three times the return. However, it all depends on the way in which entrepreneurs and managers manage this.

Just starting a PMO (periodic medical examination) and then barely doing anything with it is what I call 'false urgency'. Especially when a 'standard' range of courses is subsequently presented to employees, regardless of the outcomes. Only rarely do the interventions offered fit in well with the real vitality issues that arise in organizations. And in most cases, managers do not have an active role in this. Because they have no idea how to start a conversation about this. And they also don't know how to ensure that team members take responsibility for their own employability. Or how they can put vitality on the agenda in a positive way. The good news…. There is still a lot to gain!

It is important that managers (including middle management) have a vision about how they want to deal with the most important asset in the company, namely its people. That they want to pay attention to vitality in the broadest sense of the word. This means that you actively work in your organization on physical and mental health, talent development, attitude and behavior and working conditions. That as a vital leader you also take a critical look in the mirror. To keep your organization and team permanently healthy. Viable and ready for the future. Are you a vital leader?

Arienne Knol is a trainer, coach and entrepreneur at Kenneth Smit