The biggest mistakes HR leaders make when designing a corporate fitness center

A well-designed corporate fitness center can be a game-changer for employee wellness, engagement, and retention. However, even the most well-intentioned HR Benefits Directors can fall into common traps when planning and executing a fitness center for their employees. Avoid these mistakes to ensure your investment leads to maximum participation and long-term success.

1. Failing to Assess Employee Needs

One of the biggest missteps HR leaders make is assuming what employees want instead of gathering direct input. A state-of-the-art gym may seem impressive, but if employees prefer guided fitness classes, wellness programs, or virtual training options, the facility may go underutilized.

Solution: Conduct surveys, hold focus groups, and analyze existing wellness program participation to ensure the fitness center aligns with employee needs.

2. Choosing the Wrong Location

Location plays a crucial role in engagement. If the fitness center is tucked away in an inconvenient area of the building or requires employees to go off-site, participation will likely be low.

Solution: Ensure the fitness center is in an accessible, high-traffic area that encourages regular use.

3. Underestimating Budget and Maintenance Costs

Many HR teams focus on the initial build-out and equipment costs but forget to budget for ongoing expenses such as maintenance, staffing, programming, and upgrades.

Solution: Without proper financial planning, the fitness center may fall into disrepair or lack engaging programming, leading to a decline in participation.

4. Ignoring Programming and Engagement

Simply providing gym equipment is not enough. Employees need motivation, guidance, and variety to stay engaged. Offering fitness classes, personal training, wellness challenges, and digital resources can significantly boost utilization and ROI.

Solution: Consider partnerships corporate fitness companies to offer structured programs that cater to different fitness levels and interests.

5. Overlooking Accessibility and Inclusivity

A fitness center should be welcoming to all employees, regardless of fitness level, ability, or schedule.

Solution: Ensure your design includes accessible equipment, inclusive programming for different fitness levels, and flexible hours to accommodate various work shifts. A failure to consider these factors can alienate employees and reduce participation.

6. Neglecting Locker Rooms and Amenities

A poorly designed locker room or lack of essential amenities such as showers, towel service, and secure storage can deter employees from using the facility.

Solution: Comfort and convenience matter—investing in a clean, well-equipped space will encourage more frequent use.

Learn more

Avoiding these common mistakes can mean the difference between a thriving, high-impact corporate fitness center and an underutilized space. By prioritizing employee needs, strategic planning, and ongoing engagement, HR leaders can create a wellness hub that boosts productivity, enhances company culture, and improves overall employee wellbeing.

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If you are considering staffing your currently unstaffed fitness center, HealthFitness has extensive experience designing, managing and programming corporate fitness centers nationwide.