On-Site Gym Facilities: The Ultimate Employee Perk
This is the new gym at OCuSOFT upgraded in 2023
On-Site Gym Facilities
On-site gym facilities stand out as a significant employee perk. Offering more than just convenience, these facilities contribute substantially to employee health, engagement, and overall job satisfaction.
With first-hand experience in creating and maintaining a fully functional fitness gym, I’ve seen the transformative impact these amenities can have. From circuit training classes that cater to all fitness levels to inspirational settings equipped with the latest equipment and flooring, on-site gyms can revolutionize workplace wellness.
Let's dive into the benefits, setup tips, and how to maximize engagement in these fitness havens.
The Benefits of Having a Gym at the Workplace
My story
I began my journey in corporate wellness in 2012 by managing a gym for a business. Initially, it was only equipped with used home gym gear and a Curves circuit. We had to deal with flooding three times, a common occurrence in Houston! In 2019, we elevated the building by three feet - another typical solution in Houston. We reopened the gym in March 2020, only for it to be shut down due to the pandemic.
During the pandemic, I worked in operations, handling various non-fitness-related tasks. In June 2022, I returned to the gym full-time. I found that the gym was not being used, the layout was uninviting, and the tile flooring was unsuitable.
I proposed an upgrade to the executive team that included installing turf and rubber flooring, redesigning the space, and adding more fitness equipment to help everyone achieve their wellness goals.
Being a Certified Fitness Trainer since 2002, this experience has shaped my career in corporate wellness. If you're a personal trainer working in a corporate wellness facility, I encourage you to read this article and take notes on how to enhance your gym and make it the hub for all your corporate wellness initiatives.
Benefits:
Improved Physical Health:
Regular access to an on-site gym allows employees to easily incorporate exercise into their daily routine, promoting better cardiovascular health, weight management, and muscle strength. This accessibility is crucial in mitigating the sedentary lifestyle that comes with desk jobs.
Enhanced Mental Health:
Exercise is a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. Facilities that offer a space to sweat out the day's stresses contribute to improved mental health and enhanced mood among employees.
Increased Productivity:
Studies have consistently shown that employees who exercise regularly are more productive. Having an on-site gym can lead to reduced absenteeism and fewer sick days, directly benefiting the company’s bottom line.
Boosted Morale and Job Satisfaction:
An on-site gym can serve as a strong recruitment and retention tool. It sends a message that the company values its employees’ well-being, which can enhance company loyalty and improve workplace morale.
Expertise in Action: Building a Fully Functional Fitness Gym
Creating a vibrant and welcoming gym environment involves more than just placing equipment in a room. It’s about crafting a space that inspires and motivates. Here’s how I approached it:
Choosing the Right Equipment:
It's essential to select equipment that accommodates various fitness levels and preferences. From free weights and resistance bands to treadmills and stationary bikes, diversity in equipment ensures that everyone feels included.
Design and Ambiance:
The physical environment can significantly impact motivation. Incorporating elements like turf flooring and inspirational graphics can transform a bland space into a dynamic area that employees look forward to visiting.
Circuit Training Classes:
Offering group fitness classes such as circuit training, which targets the whole body, is an excellent way to cater to different strengths and abilities. It also adds a social element to the workout, making exercise more enjoyable and engaging.
Setting Up and Maintaining an On-Site Gym
Space Planning:
Evaluate the space available and plan accordingly to ensure that the gym is neither cramped nor under-equipped. Proper zoning for cardio, weights, and stretching areas can maximize the usage of space.
Safety and Cleanliness:
Safety should never be compromised. Regular maintenance of equipment, clear safety instructions, and cleanliness are paramount to prevent injuries and ensure a healthy workout environment.
Accessibility:
The gym should be accessible during hours that accommodate various work schedules. Secure, yet easy access to the facility encourages more employees to take advantage of the perk.
Maximizing Employee Engagement with the Gym
Incentives and Challenges: Motivate employees by setting up fitness challenges or offering incentives for regular gym use. This could be anything from health insurance discounts to recognition in company communications.
Feedback and Evolution:
Regularly collect feedback from employees about their gym experiences and suggestions for improvement. This input can guide updates and changes, keeping the facility aligned with user needs.
Integration with Wellness Programs:
Connect gym activities with broader corporate wellness programs. This integration can enhance the overall health culture within the company.
Case Studies: Success Stories of On-Site Fitness Programs
Company A: Implemented lunch-hour yoga and pilates classes, resulting in a 20% increase in employee productivity and a significant decrease in reported stress levels.
Company B: Introduced a 'Miles for Meals' program where for every mile logged at the on-site gym, the company donated a meal to a local food bank. This program not only boosted gym attendance but also enhanced the company's community engagement and employee pride.
Company C: Using an app-based system, this company created internal competitions for steps and workout minutes logged in the gym, fostering a healthy, competitive spirit that increased gym use by 40%.
Conclusion
On-site gym facilities are more than just a perk; they are a strategic investment in the health and productivity of an organization’s workforce. By providing convenient access to exercise, companies can foster a happier, healthier, and more engaged workforce.
In my experience, the key to success lies in creating an inclusive, motivating, and well-maintained facility that aligns with broader wellness goals. Whether it’s through offering diverse equipment, engaging fitness programs, or integrating employee feedback, every step taken towards improving on-site gym facilities can lead to significant benefits for both employees and the company.
Kathie Owen, Corporate Wellness Professional
Read More Corporate Wellness Articles Here
