Why personal and small group training is on the rise in corporate wellness after the pandemic

It’s true that the post-pandemic workforce has probably changed forever. According to recent stats, 35% of the current workforce is still working remotely full-time and a significant chunk of employees are working a hybrid schedule. As we know, this is presenting all sorts of challenges to HR leaders who are working hard to engage an increasingly disjointed workforce.

However, one place where employees are open to more in-person interaction is at the gym — specifically, the corporate gym. At HealthFitness, we’ve seen an uptick in the number of our clients’ employees actively using personal and group training since the pandemic starting waning. And — here’s the surprising part — most of that is happening in-person at corporate fitness centers across the country. Eighty-six percent, to be exact (on the flip side just 5% of those personal and group training sessions are held virtual-only).

What’s more, employees are participating in an increasing number of these personal or group training sessions. Seventy-seven percent of our corporate client employees are signing up for 4 to 8 personal or group training sessions per month! That’s a big commitment — but employees are making it. And again, they’re largely doing it in-person.

It probably makes sense if you think about it. Many of us were stuck at home for 1-2 years during the pandemic. And some still work full-time remotely. Those employees, most likely, still crave connection with their coworkers — group training can provide that. At the same time, employees are putting more focus on their personal health than ever before. So, an uptick in personal training classes makes sense, too.

Yet many organizations still do not offer personal and group training programs as part of their corporate wellness programs. So today I thought I’d lay out all the benefits to these increasingly popular sessions:

#1 – Support employee health and wellbeing Starting with the basics, personal trainers can help employees improve their overall health and wellbeing. They design customized exercise programs tailored to individual needs, set realistic goals, and provide guidance on proper form and technique. And we all know regular exercise can lead to reduced stress levels, increased energy, improved mental focus, and better overall physical health.

#2 – Increased productivity When employees prioritize their health and engage in regular exercise, they often are more productive. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function, enhance creativity, and boost mood — all of which can positively impact job performance. This will all be music to your CEO’s ears.

#3 – Decreased absenteeism Absenteeism is increasingly a huge challenge many companies continue to struggle with. And personal trainers can help address this challenge head-on. Regular exercise with a personal trainer can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of common illnesses and chronic diseases. Personal trainers can also educate employees on healthy lifestyle habits, such as nutrition and stress management, which can further contribute to improved overall health.

#4 – Boosted engagement and team building Group training sessions led by personal trainers can foster much-needed camaraderie among employees—especially after the long pandemic! Working out together supports teamwork, friendly competition, and builds relationships outside of the typical work setting (especially Zoom or Teams virtual meetings!). This boosts morale, increases engagement and creates a more positive workplace.

#5 – Enhanced recruitment and retention Offering personal trainers as part of your corporate fitness program can be an attractive benefit for potential employees. It demonstrates that your company values employee wellbeing and is committed to providing resources for a healthy work-life balance. These programs can also help with employee retention, as people are more likely to stay with your company if it invests in their health and supports their personal goals.

#6 – Reduced employee stress Personal trainers can teach employees stress-reduction techniques through exercise, such as incorporating mindfulness and relaxation practices. Regular physical activity reduces stress levels and improves mental resilience, which can enhance employee satisfaction and reduce workplace stress-related issues.

Related: A 4-part formula for approaching retention with intention

Clearly, the benefits to personal and group training programs for companies are there. But it’s not just the companies that benefit, obviously. We hear from our client’s employees all the time about how much they love their trainers. As one employee says, “My personal trainer is a joy to work with and her expertise is invaluable. She has taken the time to get to know me and my limitations and to tailor my workouts to challenge me and improve my overall physical health. She puts a lot of thought into my routines and always has something new to keep them fresh and interesting. My workouts would not be as balanced, efficient, and effective without her guidance and support.”

As companies continue to explore new and different ways to engage employees in healthy ways now that the pandemic is in our rearview mirror, personal and group training programs are increasingly a relatively easy and affordable way to address that challenge.

Ann Wyatt is vice president and chief client success leader at HealthFitness.