Big corporations may have the resources to put gyms, swimming pools and games rooms in their buildings to create a healthy work environment. But even the smallest financial advisory office can have its own work/life program.

“Open up dialogue and find out what’s working and what’s not working,” says Nora Spinks, president of Work Life Harmony, a Toronto company that consults with governments and businesses on work/life issues. “The keys are respect and flexibility.”

Here are some steps small firms can take to enhance quality of work/life balance for employees:

> Talk. Gather the staff and find out what individual concerns are regarding time, work pressures and health.

> Loosen Up. If your firm is going through a stressful time — such as RRSP season — hire a shiatsu therapist to give employees massages in the boardroom. Each employee’s time is sacred — no interruptions!

> Forget The Pizza. Once or twice a month — or more — get a local restaurant or caterer to bring in a really good, healthy lunch. “A meal from a caterer is going to cost a lot less than having to replace people who become sick because they aren’t eating well,” Spinks says.

> Use Eap Effectively. A growing number of small businesses have contracts with employee assistance firms, which have a number of resources for employees who are experiencing stress, family issues or other concerns.

> Use The Web. The Canadian Mental Health Association’s Web site (www.cmha.ca) offers a wealth of information on stress and other mental health issues.

> Go Public. Contact your public health department. It has a host of free services, such as providing talks on nutrition by registered dietitians, flu shots and cholesterol and blood pressure tests.

— GRANT MCINTYRE