This article talks about how health clubs can help improve corporate wellbeing, without selling classic gym memberships.
The effects of the COVID pandemic will be felt for many years after the last positive test result. One of the big business and cultural shifts has been the fast-track evolution of working from home (WFH). While many have been doing this for years, not everyone is benefitting. There are some serious repercussions on health, both physical and mental, as described by this report in HR Magazine, which claims remote working is “as dangerous as smoking”
Clubs losing members who are WFH
Health clubs and gyms have been hit hard by the changes in working practices, with fewer people in towns and cities for a 5-day working week. On the flip side, some independent clubs have benefitted slightly from people wanting to train closer to home, twinned with the general trend of supporting local, smaller businesses. But the big city gyms are feeling it the hardest at the moment.
Even when people are visiting the office, time is an issue. They’re packing in face-to-face meetings on those one or two office days. Many feel obliged to fill their office hours with ‘busy-ness’, to appear productive, but in reality, these people are not getting much work done. To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, “they need time to sharpen the saw!”
Some are looking forward to the connection and interaction they have from visiting the office, but it’s a bore or a chore for many. We need to change that.
How can Health Clubs help?
You need to go beyond traditional corporate outreach, aka offering a gym membership to every employee. A discounted membership simply appeals to the 10-15% of staff who would join the gym anyway, who are already bought into their health and fitness.
Instead, you should help the HR manager to understand that an office day with 9-5 (or worse) meetings is counterproductive for business and employee health. Partner with Corporate HR to build a corporate wellbeing programme that breaks the 9-5 office days and supports staff working from home.
Health Education
Education for management and employees is a good starting point. You could run seminars and/or webinars on health; physical and mental. Offer employee health checks – either in-person, on body composition devices, or online with simple questionnaires like the Training Shed Wellbeing Score. Lifestyle coaching around people’s scores, aspirations, or goals can provide focus, motivation, and support.
You could provide classes before, during, or after the working day for staff to de-stress, find their flow, or work up a sweat, as well as routines that people can do at home or with their families and friends.
Get this right, and people will look forward to the days they visit the office. They will feel more connected to their co-workers even when they’re working from home. Break up their diary of back-to-back meetings with an appointment with their lifestyle coach or help them to develop some accountability with their health and fitness.
10 ideas for corporate wellness post-pandemic
1. Health checks
Get your body composition measurement on our state-of-the-art bio-impedance scales. Learn about your hydration, bone/muscle/fat breakdown, and how you can improve your health.
2. Lifestyle coaching
Regular accountability sessions to discuss factors influencing your health, set personal targets, overcome barriers, and build a support network to become fitter and healthier.
3. Holistic health classes
Yoga/pilates/flow/other sessions, in the workplace or in the club.
4. Posture advice (avoiding back pain)
Setting up your workstation, advice on standing desks, neck, back, and general flexibility
5. Education – how to create a commute
How to take regular breaks during the working day, either in the office or at home. Being active however you see fit. Walking the dog every day, even if you don’t have a dog. Walking meetings.
6. Education – the link between physical and mental health
Improving your mind and body through meditation, nutrition, and sleep. Rest as a requirement.
7. Education – cardio versus lifting weights
Building strength versus putting on muscle. Being able to pick up your kids, hit the golf ball further, or just be fitter and healthier by being stronger.
8. Corporate events – team building
Organised ‘sport-participation’ networking events, such as bowling, petanque, 5-a-side, rounders, paddleboarding, disc golf, etc.
9. Corporate challenges – collecting steps, or other activities
Taking part in organised walks or runs, app-tracked or self-reported distance challenges for a week or month. Team or individual prizes for completion or participation.
10. Signposting to other resources
Pointing out other services, such as ParkRun, local sports clubs, activity centres, schemes, etc.
Bonus idea: There’s no need to sell your health-club or gym. Those who want to join will join, but you can support others in different ways.
This is just a selection of ideas to get you thinking. Please share your own thoughts on employee wellbeing initiatives or any things you’ve tried or enjoyed in the comments below.
Clubs have been hit hard by the pandemic, in lots of different ways. There’s no doubt that the trend of Working From Home is here to stay, and it’s going to take some time for many people to adapt.
The Fitness Industry is well placed to help these people with their health and fitness.
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