Investing in Employee Wellness: Subsidising Exercise and Gym/Activities memberships

March 8, 2024 | Charlotte Blanc | |
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The What

Subsidising any gym/activity memberships for employees boosts productivity, retention, and company reputation by prioritising staff wellness and promoting a healthier workplace culture. It aligns with the B Corp values and reduces long term costs of illness.

The Why

In today's competitive business environment, a company's success heavily relies on the wellness and productivity of its workforce. Therefore, investing in initiatives to promote employee wellness isn't solely an issue of corporate social responsibility but a strategic necessity for businesses striving for sustainable growth. This represents a strategic investment that offers numerous advantages for the company, its staff, and society as a whole. By prioritising the health and wellness of employees, the company can improve productivity, foster greater engagement, and enhance staff retention and recruitment, all while reducing long-term costs and demonstrating its commitment to corporate social responsibility. The current 10% discount offered through Simply Health is not sufficient and not inclusive - it doesn't take into account everyone's preference for activities. Adopting this initiative not only cultivates a healthier and happier workforce but also positions the company as a leader in employee wellness and organisational excellence.

The How

Colart could contribute positively to employee’s wellness and encourage staff to be more active by subsidising a percentage of the monthly cost of exercise routine. Employees should be able to claim back the cost of any gym/classes (important to avoid restrictions and allow any type of exercise to be subsidised), by submitting a simple proof of subscription. As a benchmark, a lot of companies contribute around 70%, up to a maximum of £60 per month (to be defined).

Comments

  1. I think this is a fantastic idea – incorporating more exercise into my general routine has been great for my physical and mental health, but my gym membership has increased in price twice since I restarted it late last year!

  2. As part of our health insurance in North America, which as you may know is a very different way of having healthcare vs the UK, our employees do have the opportunity for reduced gym membership fees – they/I can earn a partial refund as long as they/I go often enough……. It is a benefit that we are trying to do a better job of explaining to all – healthier employees and then in the medium term helping to reduce the insurance premiums through lower insurance claims – a win win.