Creating an Active Workforce with Corporate Partnerships

Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness uses these four tiers of corporate wellness services to encourage more employees to get active during the workday.

People often use lack of time as an excuse for not working out, and when many of us log 40 or more hours during the workweek, time becomes even more limited.

However, studies show it is beneficial to think of physical activity as an essential part of a person’s job since it can improve concentration, memory, learning abilities, mental stamina, and creativity.

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Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness certainly thinks so. Here are four examples of tiers of corporate wellness services Healthtrax offers, in addition to the company’s methods for tracking results and how it uses this information to take noticeable strides toward getting employees more active. Your club can use these examples as inspiration for creating new initiatives to encourage companies to adopt healthy workplace cultures for employees.

Level 1: For companies with over 50 employees

Level 1 provides a small discount on individual and family club dues, at no cost to the employers.

Level 2: For smaller businesses with 25 or more employees

Level 2 provides a slightly higher discount on club dues at a cost to the company of $1 per employee per month.

Level 3: For small businesses

Level 3 provides employees a free membership, with the option to add family at a discounted rate. At this level, the company pays 40% of the cost of membership dues.

Level 4: Physician referred exercise program for employees

In Level 4, if the physician refers the employee to the program, they receive the 60-day p.r.e.p. program. The employees’ human resources department covers the $60 program cost and receives aggregate data concerning employees participating in the program.

Every person that participates in one of the above Healthtrax programs receives the same treatment and benefits, which include:

  • An annual, on-site health fair that provides blood pressure screenings, body composition analysis, and educational resources
  • A monthly health promotion newsletter
  • A display of on-site health education material, which is rotated regularly to provide employees education on a variety of issues
  • A “FitCoach”: a Healthtrax expert that employees can call or email with questions
  • Discounts on pay-per-visit memberships for employees and their families
  • Preferred rates for employees and their families on programs and events, such as swim lessons or birthday parties

The most important component of any program, however, is whether or not participants enjoy it and are taking advantage of the offering. Matt Wright, former regional director of fitness for Healthtrax, reiterated these sentiments saying that program success is based on usage, outcomes, and retention.

To accurately measure these success factors, Healthtrax assesses standard biometric and anthropometric measures and correlates those measures to the factors that are most important to specific companies. Some examples of these factors include better sleep, worker productivity, and fewer sick days. In addition, Healthtrax also measures penetration rate, a metric that focuses on tracking the number of people that participate in each program or use a certain type of equipment. For example, staff members monitor interest in different aspects of each program (physical therapy, group exercise, kids programs, etc.), and use this information to help club staff better serve future clients and tailor corporate offerings to meet client needs.

For clubs looking to succeed in the corporate wellness arena, Wright offered two major pieces of advice. The first, he said, was to “make sure what you’re trying to pitch to the company fits the target market. For example, if you’re going into a predominantly male factory, tailor the pitch to what they’ll be most interested in at the club. Making it individually specific is key.” Wright also emphasized the importance of onboarding new members when they visit for the first time.

“Make sure what you’re trying to pitch to the company fits the target market. For example, if you’re going into a predominantly male factory, tailor the pitch to what they’ll be most interested in at the club. Making it individually specific is key.”

Matt Wright, Former Regional Director of Fitness

Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness - Glastonbury, CT

However, the most crucial piece of advice clubs should take with them when thinking about creating a corporate wellness program is to employ patience.

“Be patient and make sure what you start to do is solid,” said Wright. “Too often people try to rush to put things into action rather than cover the bases. Look for companies who you have good rapport with, get your feet wet before you dive right in.”

So, what are you waiting for? Are you looking to get your feet wet? If so, check out IHRSA’s member-only resource to get started.

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Shannon Vogler

Shannon Vogler is an avid fitness consumer who uses her creative abilities to craft beautiful content for health and wellness businesses. She offers a variety of digital marketing services that aim to promote the importance of an active body and mind. When she’s not working, Shannon enjoys lifting, running, and cheering for the New England Patriots.