In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the importance of employee wellness and health in the workplace. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), an estimated 17 million working days were lost due to work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in 2021/22.
It is an imperative issue that businesses today must proactively tackle. One effective approach to combat burnout and enhance the overall quality of life for employees is by integrating a dedicated gym within the workplace.
Fitness programmes and providing access to exercise facilities can be immensely beneficial for long-term employee morale, job satisfaction and productivity. In fact, healthy employees are 59% more likely to be engaged at work (MetLife, 2022).
Here are a few essential workplace gym design tips to consider for employee wellness and fitness.
Assess Space
Before diving into the gym design process, it’s important to evaluate the available space. Consider the square footage and configuration of the area allocated for the gym’s equipment and utilities as this will help determine whether you need a separate room or an open area. Collaborate with architects, leisure fit out experts, and fitness professionals to maximise the space efficiently.
Equipment Selection
Once you have assessed the space, it’s important to select gym equipment that caters to various fitness levels and exercise preferences of your employees. Include a mix of cardiovascular machines (treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes), strength training equipment (dumbbells, barbells, resistance machines), and functional fitness accessories (medicine balls, yoga mats, foam rollers).
Functional Layout
To follow, arrange the equipment strategically so that there is enough space between stations to prevent congestion and minimise injury during peak hours. Designate separate zones for warm-ups, stretching, group classes and social interaction. It is also a good idea to incorporate adequate storage for personal belongings, towels, and water bottles.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Creating a comfortable and ergonomic environment is vital to enhance the workout experience for avid gym-goers. Invest in quality flooring that reduces noise, absorbs impact, and provides adequate support. Install proper ventilation and temperature control systems to maintain optimal conditions. Furthermore, prioritise natural light, pleasant aesthetics, music and motivational graphics to create an inviting atmosphere.
Hygiene and Safety
Hygiene and safety are paramount considerations in workplace gym design. It is crucial to provide essential safety measures, including first-aid kits, defibrillators, and a trained staff capable of responding to emergencies. Furthermore, ample hand sanitizer, disinfectant sprays, and cleaning supplies must be readily available within the gym premises to guarantee compliance with health and safety guidelines.
Technology Integration
Incorporating technology into the workplace gym design helps improve the overall experience for employees. This includes installing televisions to display fitness-related content, motivational videos, or instructional material, and sound systems to provide energising music. You could also consider offering wearable technology, such as fitness trackers or heart rate monitors to help employees track their progress.
Corporate Gym Fit Out Experts
Designing a workplace gym goes beyond mere equipment acquisition and space arrangement. It requires thoughtful consideration of your employees’ needs, fitness objectives, and safety.
To ensure optimal returns on your investment and establish a functional and inspiring workout environment, seek guidance from leisure fit out experts like Hebs Group.
As leading facilities management and building contractors in Liverpool, we can assist you in transforming your concepts into tangible realities. For more information, contact our team at 0151 2360707 or send us an email to: info@hebs-group.co.uk
