How employee connection powers corporate fitness

When HR and benefits leaders think about corporate fitness, treadmills and weight racks often come to mind. But today’s workplace wellness and fitness programs are no longer just about sets, reps, and step counts. They’re about people and finding ways to create connection, community, and belonging inside the workplace.

That was the central theme of a conversation on The HealthFitness Podcast with Amy Buckner, General Manager at our Walmart client site. With more than 20 years in the industry, Amy has witnessed the evolution of workplace wellness firsthand. Her perspective offers valuable insight into where employee fitness and wellbeing are headed.

What she sees is a shift: companies moving from fitness-only models to whole person wellbeing. That means not just focusing on physical health, but also supporting mental health, families, and social connection. Employers are realizing that if stress, burnout, or family challenges are weighing heavily on employees, simply offering a gym won’t move the needle.

At Walmart’s facility, this philosophy comes to life in creative ways. Some of the most popular programs aren’t what you’d expect. A simple Coloring Connections event regularly draws crowds of 90 or more, adults included. Family game nights, open chess tables, and even color guard classes are giving employees and their families opportunities to bond, relax, and try something new together.

Variety drives engagement

On the fitness side, group fitness classes remain a reliable favorite because they combine physical activity with the social energy of being part of a team. But Amy and her staff are also experimenting with emerging wellness practices such as sound baths and breathwork, helping employees regulate stress and reset their nervous systems in the middle of the workday. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Why do these programs resonate so deeply? According to Amy, it’s because they meet people where they are. Employees spend more waking hours at work than anywhere else, and many are far from home. A workplace fitness and wellness program that fosters community helps employees “find their tribe,” build friendships, and feel a greater sense of belonging. Those connections are often what keeps employees coming back, and what makes them value their employer more.

Start with an invitation

Participation often starts with something simple: an invitation. A colleague says, “Come to this class with me,” or someone notices a chess game in progress and sits down to join. Word of mouth quickly follows. And when families are invited, the impact multiplies. Amy calls family engagement the “secret sauce” of participation, because when parents and children can participate together, enthusiasm skyrockets.

For HR and benefits directors, the takeaway is clear. Investing in the social side of corporate fitness pays off. It doesn’t always require a major financial commitment; sometimes it’s about testing small ideas, listening to employees, and seeing what resonates. The most successful programs are visible, inclusive, and designed to evolve with employee needs.

As Amy put it, the question is no longer “what’s the matter with you” but “what matters to you.” For employers, that means building fitness and wellness offerings that align with employees’ priorities today, whether that’s stress relief, family connection, or the joy of discovering a new hobby.

Trends shaping employee connections at the corporate fitness center

Based on these insights, here are five emerging trends shaping the social side of corporate fitness, and why they matter for HR and benefits leaders.

1. A shift from fitness-only to whole person wellbeing

Employees don’t just want a gym; they want support for their mental, emotional, and social health. Programs like breathwork, sound baths, and mindfulness classes are helping employees manage stress

What this means for you: If wellness offerings focus only on physical activity, they risk leaving out employees who are struggling with stress, burnout, or work-life challenges. A holistic approach ensures your program resonates with more people and drives higher utilization.

2. Connection is the real motivator

Whether it’s group exercise, chess, or coloring nights, the common thread is connection. Employees show up because they want to feel part of something bigger and build relationships at work.

What this means for you: Look beyond fitness trends and ask: does this offering create community? Programs that spark interaction, especially across departments and job roles, strengthen employee belonging and, by extension, retention.

3. Families are the “secret sauce”

When facilities open their doors to spouses and children, engagement soars. Events like family game nights, walkathons, or youth-focused activities give employees the chance to share their workplace with their loved ones.

What this means for you: Even if your fitness center can’t accommodate families regularly, consider occasional family-friendly events. They boost participation, reinforce loyalty, and signal that your company supports employees beyond their job role.

4. Small experiments can create big wins

Not every program needs a large investment. At Walmart’s facility, something as simple as setting out chess boards drew unexpected crowds. Programs like color guard classes came directly from staff ideas and grew into highly popular offerings.

What this means for you: Adopt a “test and learn” mindset. Start small, experiment, and adjust. Employees notice when leadership is willing to try new things and they appreciate programs that feel fresh and responsive.

5. Inclusion starts with visibility and invitation

The best programs aren’t hidden; they’re visible and welcoming. Sometimes all it takes is a personal invitation from a staff member or colleague to spark someone’s first step into a new class.

What this means for you: Don’t let your wellness offerings become the “best-kept secret.” Make them visible, market them creatively, and empower staff to personally invite employees. A smile, a warm welcome, or a simple “join me” can go further than a poster ever will.

Learn more about the social side of corporate fitness: 

• Creating connections with fitness challenges
• How to create connections at the corporate fitness center
• 5 ways a workplace gym adds value beyond wellness

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