The growing concerns for the nation's obesity problems and the potential knock-on effect this has on workplace productivity (a recent survey found that nearly half of the nation (42%) can't climb a flight of stairs) has led to UK companies taking a more proactive approach to employee well-being, with LA Fitness reporting a massive 102% year on year growth in corporate well-being partnerships.
Recent independent research shows that employees who take part in a corporate fitness program take 5 sick days less per year, and are 12.5% more productive when at work compared to other employees. These figures are very compelling for companies looking to boost productivity and attendance and we have seen a dramatic increase in companies looking to enhance their benefits schemes to offer employees access to health club membership in order to reap the rewards that a healthier workforce brings, said Michael Stott, National Corporate Sales Manager for LA Fitness.
The financial service sector is leading the way in terms of fitness related benefits, but we have also seen large growth in the Public Sector, particularly with key workers and the armed forces.
LA Fitness has also seen large growth in the number of companies who opt to fund employee fitness schemes as opposed to employees self-funding corporate rate membership. In 2006 part or fully funded company schemes accounted for just 15% of all memberships sold. This figure has now risen to 41%.
UK employers are definitely becoming more proactive, investing in schemes which support the Government's aim to get the nation fitter, however there needs to be a re-think on how well-being benefits are viewed. Gym membership is currently classed as a 'Benefit in Kind', and therefore is taxable and this could present a barrier for some employees in terms of taking up the benefit extended to them.
In response to the recent growth in corporate memberships, the health club operator has launched LA Fitness Corporate Health Solutions.
After listening to feedback from Human Resource professionals responsible for managing company benefit schemes and packages, LA Fitness Corporate Health Solutions offers the following services:
- regular management reporting enabling a company to understand visitation and usage patterns thus helping to calculate a ROI.
- a dedicated website (lafitness.co.uk/corporatemembership )
- corporate account managers
- company payments solutions with discounts
- monthly offers and incentives for employees
- internal communications support to drive awareness, uptake & attendance
- company activity and awareness events
- complimentary two day health club trial for all employees
Current clients of LA Fitness Corporate Solutions include; Boots, BP, Mercedes- Benz and HBOS.
For more information about LA Fitness Corporate Health Solutions or to organise a complimentary employee trial please call tel: 0844 770 7722 or visit:
Employees well-being top of the corporate agenda
LA Fitness reports dramatic upsurge in company partnerships
