Fitness is more than a luxury; it's a necessity. Regular exercise is the most important thing we can do for our health. It can improve our mood, boost energy levels, combat health problems, promote better sleep, alleviate stress, and more. Incorporating consistent physical activity into our daily routines brings many benefits (and adds years) to our lives; it can also be essential to workplace wellness.
Introducing a fitness budget into employee benefits may not be an obvious ROI. Still, it has a tremendous payoff for combating burnout and employee time off due to illnesses, injuries, etc. Employees who work out regularly tend to take fewer sick days, perform better at their jobs, and remain motivated to stay with the company for years. Less turnover helps protect your company's bottom line, as hiring new staff is extremely costly (recruiters, training, it all adds up).
As companies, it only makes sense to offer employees opportunities to work on their physical fitness and wellness. Here are some steps for implementing wellness benefits into your corporate wellness program:
Take time to outline your company's fitness goals and what you hope to achieve. Whether you aim to improve overall health, reduce stress and burnout, improve employee retention, or promote a more active lifestyle, having well-defined goals will help you make informed decisions. Align these goals with your corporate wellness plan's broader mission and values to ensure a cohesive approach to employee well-being.
The foundation of any successful corporate wellness program lies in understanding the needs and preferences of your employees. You can collect feedback through surveys to learn more about their fitness interests, preferences, and expectations. This is an opportunity to find out what they want to see in the workplace to minimize stress, improve their well-being, and what fitness activities they prefer outside of work. These insights will serve as a valuable guide in tailoring fitness benefits that resonate with the diverse needs of your workforce.
Allocate a realistic budget for the fitness benefits component of your corporate wellness program. This might include expenses for on-site classes and offerings, gym memberships, fitness challenges, or partnerships. Understanding your financial limitations upfront allows for effective planning and resource allocation.
It can be challenging to prioritize physical fitness due to a lack of time and resources. While some companies may provide onsite facilities, this is not always an option. With the increasing popularity of remote work, employees who work from home should also have access to exercise experiences that allow them to choose the time of day, type of exercise, and location that works best for them. Giving individuals the freedom to choose based on their preferences and needs can increase participation.
For example, the ClassPass Corporate Wellness Program offers employees access to various fitness classes and studios, providing flexibility and choice. The platform's versatility aligns well with the diverse interests within your workforce while focusing on their health and well-being.
Communication is key to the successful implementation of fitness benefits. Share benefit details with employees while emphasizing how they align with the organization's commitment to workplace wellness. Additionally, offering educational sessions, workshops, and fitness tips can guide employees to make the most of their fitness benefits. Use channels like email newsletters, intranet, Slack, or employee benefits documents to spread the word.
Creating a culture of active participation is essential to your fitness benefit program's success. One way to encourage employee participation is to offer incentives for engaging in various fitness activities, hitting milestones, and achieving goals. Offering rewards will motivate employees to take full advantage of their benefits. Another option is to create regular challenges (e.g., weekly walking/step goals, workout streaks) to drive friendly competition among employees. This encourages team participation, fosters community, and creates a supportive environment.
Remember that employee well-being is not just a perk but an essential component of a thriving workplace. Make exercise a priority by creating easy opportunities for employees to engage. Whether through on-site classes, gym memberships, or platforms like ClassPass, providing diverse fitness options reflects a commitment to a healthier, more engaged, and productive workforce. Learn more about giving that customized workplace wellness experience by contacting the ClassPass Corporate team.