Building a healthier workplace – the benefits of installing a Staff Gym
In most businesses these days, the phrase “staff wellbeing” has become widely used, as managers and HR departments try to create a work environment that promotes health - and therefore better work performance. A happy, healthy workforce is generally a more efficient and profitable one.
How this is achieved will vary, but it usually includes flexible working, a pleasant environment, and perks or activities that promote health. One of the most effective ways is to install a staff gym room, particularly if it is supplied free of charge.
We all know that regular exercise has many health benefits and can help combat mental illness, so it is no surprise that businesses with a gym report, that the addition of an exercise space has positive effect on their staff. Lower absenteeism, better work performance and the knowledge that their employer takes their health seriously are just a few of the positives for employees.
At Fit Hire, we have installed many staff gyms over the years, and as fitness apps become more advanced, the need for cardio machines with embedded technology has increased. Fortunately, models like the Gym Gear T98e touchscreen treadmill The Gym Gear T98e represents best value at this price. The touchscreen TFT tech is impressive. — FitHire — Fitness and Gym Equipment Sales, Hire, Servicing and Installation allow for interactive training and connect to apps like Zwift, Nike+ and Apple Fitness.
Here are some of the considerations a business should make before hitting the “Go” button on a Staff Gym:
The staff:
Research the membership charges at gyms nearby, and then decide whether a staff gym would need to be a free benefit, or chargeable.
Send out a short survey to your employees to gauge the percentage of likely users and ask what equipment they would like to see in the room.
Are there any employees with disabilities that need to be catered for?
If you have a staff wellbeing programme, the gym will become an important part of this. Exercise recommendations can be followed up based on attendance data and ongoing health checks. If your company doesn’t already have a wellbeing programme, this could be a good way to start one.
The building:
The building regulations need to allow for a gym space, so check your lease (or ask the landlord).
We recommend that staff showers are available if a gym is installed.
In a shared building, your neighbouring offices should be informed of your plans, as machines like treadmills and weights can create some noise.
Gym use should be restricted to those who have permission, so a key card access system is preferable.
Consider the benefits (and drawbacks) of allowing access to the gym outside of daytime hours.
The room:
Fitness equipment is very bulky, so for installation purposes, the room should ideally have doors over 1 metre wide.
There will be noise ingress into adjacent rooms – soundproofing could be helpful.
For most gym equipment, we recommend a minimum ceiling height of 2.5m.
Air conditioning should be considered, as not many staff will want to train in a hot room.
Dedicated power sockets will be required throughout the gym, and floor boxes may be a neat solution. For cardio machines with TV consoles, additional connections and Wifi may be required.
It is worth considering a rubber tile floor, which reduces noise and protects any wood or carpet below. In older buildings, any wooden floors may need strengthening too.
Obscured glass or window tints may be worth considering for privacy.
The gym equipment:
Choose equipment that is sturdy and reliable - Home use equipment is not suitable and would not be covered under Commercial insurance.
Light Commercial equipment is designed for use of around 4-6 hours per day, which is often enough for our clients. For more intensive use, we recommend Full Commercial equipment. Something like this would work as a multi user strength unit: Gym Gear 3 Station Multi Gym is high quality and possibly the best machine in its price range. — FitHire — Fitness and Gym Equipment Sales, Hire, Servicing and Installation
However small the space, include a mix of cardio and strength equipment.
Many users now use apps and video as part of their training – choosing kit that allows this will future-proof the gym.
Additional equipment:
Essentials include a First Aid kit, access to drinking water and a sanitising station.
Optional equipment includes mirrors, instructional posters, TV, emergency call button, CCTV, large clock or timer, and access to a defibrillator nearby.
Funding options:
Purchase – simply buying the kit outright from the start. Maintenance is charged separately.
Finance Lease – spreading the cost of the purchase over 2 to 5 years with good tax benefits. Maintenance is charged separately.
Hire – allows flexibility due to a shorter term of commitment, and includes maintenance, but it is also more expensive in the long term.
Whatever your plans are, we specialise in finding the right solutions at a reasonable price, combined with our expert knowledge. We look forward to hearing from you!
