Organizational Wellness

Boost Employee Morale and Productivity with Corporate Gym Memberships: A Guide for HR Leaders

Last Updated Dec 13, 2024

Time to read: 13 minutes

Do your employees seem abnormally sluggish, uninterested, or just exhausted lately? A corporate gym membership program could fix that.

Although your first instinct might be to focus on upgrading your coffee beans, the solution to corporate lethargy could be at the gym. Giving your employees the tools they need to work out can energize them much better than espresso ever could, as moderate exercise comes with plenty of physical and mental benefits.

A corporate gym membership is an employer-sponsored program that subsidizes gym memberships for employees. So, if you’re looking for ways to breathe new life into your team, this might be it.

Benefits of Corporate Gym Memberships

Offering corporate gym memberships shows that employers care for their employees’ physical and mental wellbeing, which is a great thing. But, you might be surprised to find that both employees and employers stand to benefit from these initiatives.

For Employers

Supporting employee health sounds great and all. But, as an employer, you’re always on the lookout for ways to improve office life and support the bottom line. Well, turns out that investing in employee health and wellness can be ROI-positive.

As revealed in Wellhub’s Return on Wellbeing 2024 report, 95% of companies tracking ROI see positive returns on their wellbeing programs. Here’s why:

Reduced healthcare costs: Participating in wellness programs can reduce risky behavior in individuals by over 10% and reduce claims costs by about 15%, according to a study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion. Hitting the gym is a lot cheaper than visiting the emergency room!
Increased productivityand engagement: We’ve all heard about the physical benefits about exercise, but what about its effects on the mind? Working out can improve your memory and other cognitive abilities, according to a Harvard Medical School study. A healthy body means a clear mind, and supporting your employees in their physical transformation will bring rewards
Improved employee moraleand retention: Want to keep your MVPs bringing their A-game every day? Then supporting their physical health might be the way. When employees feel that their company cares about their wellbeing, they’re more likely to stick around. Plus, exercise releases endorphins, which can reduce depression and make people happy, according to Harvard Health. Happy employees are less likely to jump ship to the competitor across the street, even if they have a better coffee machine.
Enhanced company brandingand recruitment: Hiring and retaining the right employees is one of the toughest challenges in any HR professional’s life. That’s why telling potential recruits that your company really cares about their health can be one of the factors that seal the deal for them. This also positions your company as modern and health-conscious. You’re not just another corporation churning out widgets. You’re a forward-thinking organization that values holistic employee wellbeing.

For Employees

Now, let’s talk about what's in it for your wonderful workforce. Spoiler alert: it's a lot more than just the ability to climb up a flight of stairs without losing their breath!

Improved physical and mental health: Corporate gym memberships aren’t about more than getting buff — they support all aspects of an employee’s health. Exercising as little as just once a week reduces an employee’s stress levels substantially, according to a 2023 study. And if that wasn’t enough, physical activity improves emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing in employees, according to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Modern Medicine.
Convenience and accessibility: Your employees can kiss those flimsy workout excuses goodbye with a corporate gym membership. Many corporate programs offer access to multiple gym locations, making it easy to squeeze in a workout before work, during lunch, or on the way home. Some programs even include virtual fitness options, perfect for remote workers and for those days when leaving the house feels like an Olympic event.
Affordability: Corporate gym memberships can make fitness financially feasible for everyone. Corporate rates are often significantly lower than individual membership prices thanks to corporate rates and group negotiations. Your employees can save their hard-earned cash for more important things, like that viral $18 grocery store smoothie after their workout.
Increased motivationand social interaction: Group fitness classes and workout buddies can provide the motivation needed to stick to a fitness routine. It's like peer pressure, but the good kind! Gym memberships can foster social connections among coworkers, creating a sense of community that extends beyond the office. Who knew burpees could be a bonding experience?

Types of Corporate Gym Membership Programs

One employee might love getting in a good sweat at sunrise while another like to jog off their work stress in the evening. Some people want to stretch out in hot yoga, while others want an intense HIIT class. This is why it’s important to offer as many types of corporate membership programs. You’re far more likely to offer something that will resonate with your team if they can choose when and how to use it.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of corporate gym membership programs that can help you deliver this type of flexibility:

Subsidized gym memberships

Subsidized gym memberships are exactly what they sound like — the employee signs up for a gym membership, and your company pays for part or all of it. There are three types of gym membership subsidies:

Full subsidy: The company foots the entire bill. No expenses on the employee’s part.
Partial subsidy: The company chips in for a portion of the subsidy, usually between 25% and 75%. These are more cost-effective to the employer and can still be significant enough to entice employees to sign up.
Capped subsidy: The company offers a fixed amount, like $50 per month, toward any gym membership. That way you can offer a fair program while giving your employees a chance to sign up for a gym that suits their lifestyle.

Corporate discounts

One of the reasons why corporate gym memberships are such a good idea is that companies can negotiate for group discounts. This can reduce the cost of memberships dramatically, saving you and your employees tons of money. Here’s how to make it happen:

Research: Look for local gyms and fitness centers in your area. Cast a wide net to get plenty of options and compare their offerings.
Negotiate: Reach out to these facilities and ask about corporate discounts. You’ll have to flex your negotiation muscles here. Remember to highlight the potential influx of new members from your company.
Choose a gym: Compare offers and select the best deals. You might want to use your offers as bargaining chips one last time. For example, if a gym you really like offers a 25% discount but another gym gives you a 50% discount, bring this up to the first gym and see if they can match it.
Sign the deal: Finalize agreements and communicate the discounts to your team. Time to spread the good news!

Comprehensive wellness programs

Why stop at just gym memberships when you can offer so much more? Health doesn’t start at the gym, and there are plenty of other important parts to staying fit and healthy, such as:

Holistic wellness platforms: These are all-in-one solutions that bring together physical fitness, mental health resources, and lifestyle support. Wellhub specializes in helping businesses create comprehensive wellness programs that include enough platforms to keep everyone healthy — from meditation apps to nutrition coaching and more.
Health screenings: Knowing where you stand is half the battle. Give your employees a chance to get health screenings so they can measure and track important health vitals, like weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and more.
Fitness challenges: It’s true that your biggest competition is always yourself. But competing against others can be fun and motivating. This competitive element is one of the standout features of corporate gym memberships — you can’t let Francesca from marketing beat you!
Education: Offer educational resources like workshops, seminars, and online educational materials on nutrition, stress management, and healthy habits.

Implementing a Successful Corporate Gym Membership Program

Now that you're armed with options, it's time to put your plan into action. Don’t worry, you can implement a gym membership program even if you’ve never signed up for a gym membership yourself. Here’s what to do:

Needs Assessment

Before you start handing out gym memberships like candy, take a moment to understand what your employees actually want. That way, you won’t be bringing beef lasagna to a group of vegetarians. Try these strategies to understand what your team really wants:

Survey your employees to gauge interest in different fitness programs.
Analyze demographics and preferences. Are you dealing with yoga enthusiasts or weightlifting warriors?
Consider location and accessibility. A gym membership in Antarctica won't do much good for your city-dwelling workforce.

Budget Planning

As budget-friendly as this wellness initiative can be, you’re still going to need a budget. The more accurate the budget, the easier it will be to find a program that suits your needs without breaking the bank. Try some of these tips:

Assess your company’s financial fitness. How much can you realistically allocate to this program?
Research costs for different program options. Don't forget to factor in potential healthcare savings from a healthier workforce!
Consider a tiered approach. Start small and scale up as you see results.
Explore creative funding options. Maybe you could take some money from other underperforming programs, or maybe you could partner with local gyms for special pricing.

Gym Network Selection

Finding the right gym is one of the most important determinants of your program’s success. Get it right, and your team will be thanking you for your investment in their health. Get it wrong, and your team might not even take you up on that free or subsidized gym membership. Consider the following:

Location: Choose a gym that is close to the office so everyone has easy access to it. Or even better, if you have a remote workforce, find a gym that has multiple locations across the state or country.
Amenities: You want your gym to have options that cater to everyone, from treadmills to yoga mats.
Class offerings: Some people enjoy working out on their own, while others prefer signing up for classes.
Value: You’re looking for the best bang for your buck here, not just the cheapest option.

Enrollment and Communication

You've got a great program, now it's time to get people pumped about it! Try the following ways to get the word out:

Launch a communication campaign that targets employees on all fronts. Consider emails, posters, and maybe even a flashy PowerPoint presentation.
Host a kickoff event. Make this a big health-focused party to help spread the word fast.
Provide clear instructions on how to enroll. Removing friction here is extremely important. The last thing you want is for your employees to forget about it because they couldn’t figure out how to sign up for a membership.

Maximizing Program Impact

Congratulations! Your corporate gym membership program is up and running. But like any good workout routine, the key to success is consistency and motivation. Here's how to keep the momentum going:

Incentives & Challenges

Who doesn't love a good challenge? Here are some ideas to keep your team motivated:

Step challenges: First team to walk the equivalent of crossing the Sahara wins!
Workout bingo: Complete different types of workouts to fill your bingo card. Winner gets bragging rights and killer abs?
Rewards program: Earn points for gym visits, redeemable for health-related prizes or extra vacation days.

Wellness Education

Physical fitness is great, but let's not forget about overall wellness. Offer resources that make your employees as smart about health as they are about their jobs:

Lunch and learn sessions on nutrition, stress management, and sleep hygiene.
Online wellness library with articles, videos, and resources to get people excited about working out — even when they’re not.
Partner with local health experts for workshops or Q&A sessions. Don’t underestimate the power of bringing in a guest speaker.

Integration with Company Culture

If you really want your program to stick, then it needs to become part of your company's identity. Here's how to weave wellness into your corporate fabric:

Lead by example: Get leadership involved and visible in the program. Nothing makes a wellness program approachable quite like seeing your CEO struggle through a planking challenge.
Incorporate wellness into company events: Replace the traditional happy hour with a group fitness class.
Celebrate success stories: Share employee testimonials and transformations to reward the employees who are already doing the thing and motivate those who need a little more time.
Make it social: Create fitness-focused social media groups or Slack channels for employees to share tips, achievements, and the occasional gym selfie.

Measuring ROI and Program Success

Alright, you've implemented your corporate gym membership program, and it's been running smoother than a well-oiled treadmill. But how do you know if it's really paying off? Time to flex those analytical muscles!

Key Metrics

Just like tracking your heart rate during a workout, you need to keep an eye on these key metrics to ensure your program is in top shape:

Participation rates: This is your program's pulse. Are people actually using those gym memberships? Track the percentage of employees who've signed up for the program and monitor how often they’re actually swiping those gym cards.
Employee satisfaction: At the end of the day, your corporate gym membership won’t do much if your employees aren’t digging it. Conduct regular surveys to measure satisfaction with the program. You could also set up a suggestion box (physical or virtual) for feedback.
Healthcare cost savings: A successful corporate gym membership should translate into lower healthcare costs. As your employees get healthier and fitter, their visits to the ER should get more and more sparse. Compare healthcare claims before and after implementing the program and track the number of sick days taken.
Productivity improvements: A healthy body means a healthy mind, and you should be able to see some gains in performance as your employees see gains in muscle. Monitor performance metrics and compare them to pre-program levels. You could also ask managers if they’ve noticed any changes in team energy and output.

Data Analysis

Now that you’ve done the hard work, it’s time to make sense of it all. You can gain many valuable insights from your corporate gym memberships that you can use to improve the program or create complementary wellness initiatives. Start here:

Collect data regularly: Don't just set it and forget it. Regularly gathering data is like taking progress pics — you won’t notice it if you don’t track it. Set up reminders to conduct quarterly surveys and annual in-depth reviews.
Compare and contrast: Look at your data side by side, like before and after photos. Look at participation levels over the years and see if you can spot any trends.
Crunch the numbers: Calculate the ROI by comparing program costs to healthcare savings and productivity improvements. Don't forget to factor in the less tangible benefits, like improved morale and reduced turnover.
Visualize the results: Visualizing the results can really drive a point home, especially when presenting these programs to executives. Use dashboards to display key metrics in real time, making them as impressive as your employees’ biceps.
Take action: Data without action is like a gym membership without the gym visits. Use the data to tweak and improve your program. Low participation in yoga classes? Then maybe it’s time to swap it out for pilates.

Elevate Your Workforce Wellness with Wellhub

Whew! You've jogged through the benefits of corporate gym memberships, sprinted past the perks for both employers and employees, and flexed your analytical muscles with ROI measurements. It's clear that a well-implemented gym membership program can transform your workplace. But only if you know how to do it right.

That’s where a comprehensive employee wellbeing program can bring additional support. By supporting your employee’s overall health and wellbeing, you can make it even easier for them to hit the gym.

Ready to take your corporate wellness program to the next level? Wellhub’s got your back. Speak with a Wellhub Wellbeing Specialist to see how we can help!

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[*] Based on proprietary research comparing healthcare costs of active Wellhub users to non-users.