Researched Proposal Report

Assignment 4

Creating On-Site Workout Facility/Gym

Advanced Business Writing

Professor: Gwyn Robson

Student: Modupe Sarratt

February 26, 2012

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Introduction

Executive Assistant “On the Go” for Creating On-Site Workout

Facility/Gym

Audience

John E. Davies, President

Dr. Harris

Dr. Alonge

Paul Cahn

Alicia Blake

Sarah King

Staff

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We are meeting to discuss my findings for creating an on-site workout facility. I want to

get going with your support. The Findings suggests that having On-Site Workout facility

is a boast to employees’ morale, increase employees’ performance, and improve the

company outlook.

Reason for Creating an On-Site Workout Facility/Gym

We are no longer able to compete in today's job market because of our inability to

increase our productivity to the required standards that meet today’s job market. Many

of our employees are no longer fit to do their current job efficiently. As a result, we are

no longer an proficient producing company. Moreover, we are not as up to date in our

work place as some other top-notch corporate executives.

Problem

The employees’ lack of fitness to do their job is linked to weight gain/obesity, which

causes various health issues and calls for time off from work for such things like doctor

appointments.

Proposal

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Besides helping our employees being fit to do their job and beyond, we are facing the

challenge to meet today’s work environment. Weight gain/obesity is a health issue that

can be minimized through workouts and exercising. According to the article for

Corporate Wellness by Alexandra Williams, the study shows both employers and

employees can enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, including fiscal fitness . . . Today

Companies wellness/prevention programs as a necessity. . . Whether we work through

human resources, benefits, facilities or sourcing, the key is to provide them with both

the human and financial benefits and reasons for instituting a worksite wellness

program.” (IDEA 2008)

The article further suggests to “Make the Transition, Go for it!”

That’s the advice Bill Sonnemaker, MS, founder and CEO of Catalyst Fitness in

Atlanta, Georgia, and 2007 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, offers to

professionals who want to join the corporate fitness world. “Many studies suggest

that 80% of the market is untapped, and I would venture to say that a great

majority is made up of workers who sit all day. You have a captive

audience!”Sonnemaker says that “demonstrating need and benefit to upper

management” is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome. “You need to make sure

you are versed on the terminology and problems that businesses face, and

familiarize yourself with tax laws, legislation and incentives as they relate to

corporate wellness programs (IDEA 2008)

Solution

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The solution came about to make use of our flat big basement, that is, to convert our

basement into gyn. Majority of the staff responded to whether or not to have an on-site

gym: 90% responded, while 10% did not respond after a pre-planning hearing to convert

our basement into a gym.

What we need to do to get started, according to HR are:

Steps to take

• Purchase these two books, recommend by HR:

• ACSM’s Health/Fitness Facility Standards & Guidelines, Second Ed.,

American College of Sports Medicine, 1992.

• Health Fitness Management, A Comprehensive Resource for Managing

and Operation Programs and Facilities, by William C. Granthan/Robert W.

Patton/Tracy D. York/Mitchel L. Winick, Human Kinetics, 1989.

• Read the books to learn about standards, guidelines, liability, and other issues.

• Create a survey to assess employee interest in an on-site facility.

• Talk with your legal department regarding liability issues.

• Consider hiring a qualified consultant or fitness management company to assist

in the design, start-up, and possible management of your exercise facility.

• Work closely with your company’s facilities department to assess cost and space

issues.

• Write a business plan for your proposed on-site fitness center

HR Guidebook (2012)

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Preliminary Research

The staff unanimously preferred having an on-site gym over gym memberships;

memberships can become quite costly, inconvenient, require a long-term contract, and

it becomes an expense for the company, as there are no tax benefits for having a gym

membership.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services reports how the impact of

“Obesity-related health problems cost U.S. businesses an estimated $13 billion

including about $8 billion in health insurance costs, $2.4 billion for sick leave and

average health care expenditures for people with diabetes run about $13,243 per

person.” (Prevention)

However, the IRS provides tax benefits to companies who have on-site workout

facilities, according to Hearst Communication Inc Tax Incentive for Workforce Health

Improvement Program Act, “IRS allows businesses to deduct only the costs of providing

on-site gym facilities and employees do not pay taxes on those benefits.” (Hearst)

The USGS Physical Fitness Program Handbook for funding suggested, “To buy

equipment or establish an on-site fitness center, overall costs may not exceed $300.00

per employee times 10 years.” (USGS)

Pre-planning for converting basement into a gym Information Architecture

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It is possible to convert our basement into an on-site workout facility, such as this online

design by "Club Gym Site". Estimated construction cost on average from $5,000 to

$10,000.

• Free design and consulting service

• Equipment orientation

• Equipment service and preventative maintenance services

• Extended warranty programs

• Having one source for all our product and service need

• 24-hour response time

Gymsource.com (2011)

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Why consider an On-Site Workout Facility Fitness?

Benefits

• Having on-site gym is an investment to our company and to our employees.

• Employees who have convenient access to an onsite fitness facility are much

more likely to use it regularly than those who must travel to an offsite location

before or after working hours.

• Increased employee engagement, reduce absenteeism, improve morale, cut

down on stress and stress related concerns such as “preventive sick leave".

• Create a team spirit, foster competitive attitudes, and add a useful employee

benefit, which might also aid in recruiting and retention.

• Recent studies have shown that fit workers are safer workers, more productive,

with a better attitude toward their job, their workplace, and their fellow workers

according to "Fitness and Health“ for Human Kinetics

Appropriate wellness plans in the workplace can return up to $3.00 for every $1.00

invested by management according to “Health Management Research”

Fitness on the Job (2010)

Cost ranges for an On-Site facility

Minimum

Minimal or no staff (not recommended due to liability issues)

No locker rooms

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Conference room with TV, VCR, or DVD, mats and exercise balls

COST: up to $500*

Intermediate

Minimal staff

Locker rooms or shower facilities on site

Dedicated exercise space

Universal weight-training machine

2 – 5 pieces of cardiovascular equipment

COST: $5,000 - $20,000*

Advanced

Staffed with qualified personnel

Locker rooms

Fully equipped gym with strength training and cardiovascular equipment

Fitness and health promotion programs

Annual cost: $50,000 - $500,000*

*Cost averages do not include facility construction costs. (HR Guidebook (2012)

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Recommendation

Despite the misconceptions that it may be too expensive to have an on-site gym,

motive8 can offer a selection of different packages to suit our budgets and

requirements. Based on the size and budget available, motive8 will select equipment

which offers its users the most comprehensive and effective workout possible.

Gym Design - Health & Fitness Facilities

These were the abstract corporate on-site workout facility designs constructed by

motive8.

Motive8 is a health & fitness consultancy, specializing in gym design, personal training

and schools sports provision. Motive8 has been established for over 11 years and are

based in Hampton Hill, Middlesex.

According Richard Klein, an associated from Linklaters law firm, “Motive 8 has the

expertise to help create the fitness facility that ensure fit-for-purpose equipment

specification regardless of project size or budget, offer professional, expert guidance

and advice on all manner of gym facility issues including layout, health & safety,

flooring, lighting, and maintenance.

Motive8 is commissioned by Linklaters prominent global law firm to design and manage

the installation of their corporate staff fitness and wellbeing facility at UK Headquarters

London. An emerging trend among large corporate firms is to provide on-site fitness

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facilities to develop and support employee wellbeing whilst also attracting more high

quality staff

Motive8 is able to offer guidance from pre-planning to completion and beyond.” Motive8

corporate gym (2012)

Envision finished workout facility with Motive 8 project case study.

Equipment selection

Convenient section include computers, an employee can exercise and do work at the

same time, such as, typing a memo, check and respond to an emailed.

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Th

e fitness section allows an employee to stretch and relax which is very helpful to reduce

stress.

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Dressing room

MOTIVE8 (2012)

Drawbacks

The reconstruction of our basement into a gym could be long and noisy.

According to Shelley Frost there are some others drawbacks such as, “A gym in the

workplace presents some disadvantages for employees and the company. The

employer takes responsibility for creating and maintaining a safe gym for the

employees. Misuse of equipment or improperly maintained equipment leaves

employees open to injury. Free weights are particularly dangerous. A gym accumulates

a variety of germs on the equipment that could spread illnesses through the staff.

Exercising next to your boss or a coworker with a higher fitness level leads to feelings of

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insecurity or competition in some cases. These negative feelings can spill over into the

workplace and create tension between colleagues.” (Frost 2011)

Advantages

An on-site gym would eliminate the need to reimburse employees for gym memberships

and travel expenses. An on-site gym is a benefit to our company and to our employees.

In pursuit of new employees, we will be able to offer the on-site benefit versus a

reimbursement for gym membership fees. Our staff has indicated that they would prefer

having their gym tax benefits donated for creating on-site workout facility.

There is a greater benefit to having onsite facility, our employee can come in earlier to

exercise and be able to be at their desk on time. Moreover, they can choose to exercise

during their lunchtime, or later in the evening before going home.

The gym would be available to all employees from Monday to Friday between 6am-

8am, Noon-2pm, and 5pm-8pm.

Conclusion

The benefits of having an On-Site Gym outweigh the reasons to not have an on-site

gym.

According to Shelley Frost, On-Site Gyms in the workplace offers many benefits. The

benefits are endless. As stated in the article published by www.livestrong.com

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Employees and corporations stand to benefit from corporate wellness initiatives. An on-

site gym promotes fitness for all employees in a convenient location. While the benefits

are numerous, the drawbacks are also worth considering before establishing a workout

facility in the office. Address any potential issues or dangers to keep the employees

safe.

Employee Benefits

A gym in the workplace saves employees money on a gym membership at another

facility. The affordable access to workout equipment encourages employees who might

not otherwise exercise to participate in physical activity. Regular use of the on-site gym

facilitates encourages weight loss and increased fitness. Exercising at the office boosts

mood and focus, allowing the employees to concentrate more on their work when they

return to their desks. The convenient location makes it easier for staff members to

squeeze in a workout by cutting out the commute to the gym.

Company Benefits

A corporate gym appeals to potential employees as an extra benefit. Employees who

are fit and healthy because of regular exercise are generally more productive. Higher

productivity saves the company money. The employees are also more likely to stay

healthy if they exercise regularly, which means fewer absences and liabilities. Healthier

employees can also help reduce the cost of group health insurance for the company.

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Reference

Fitness on the Job (2010) http://www.fitnessonthejob.com/why.html

Frost, Shelley (2011) About On-Site Gyms in the Work Place

http://www.livestrong.com/article/389718-about-on-site-gyms-in-the- work-

place /

Gym Source (2011) http://www.gymsource.com/media/wysiwyg/test-3.jpg

Hearst Communication Inc. Tax Incentive for Company who offer gyms incentive

(2012 http ://smallbusiness.chron.com/tax-incentives-companies-offer-gym-

memberships-18505.html

HR Guidebook, Establish on site fitness rooms or exercise facilities (2012)

http://www.elinfonet.com/human-resources/Establish-on-site-fitness-rooms-or-

exercise-facilities/-us

IDEA Fitness Journal, Volume 5, Number 5 (2008) Corporate Wellness—Programming

for Profit

http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/corporate-wellness-programming-profit

Motive8 Group 2012 Corporate Gym Design - Health & Fitness Facilities

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Reg No: 04013702 Vat No: 805694414. http://www.m8group.co.uk/gym-design/

Prevention Makes Common “Cent” U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services (2003) http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/prevention/prevention.pdf

USGS Gov Human Capital Services and Support Physical Fitness Program

Handbook-Funding (2011)

http ://www.usgs.gov/humancapital/pb/physicalfitnesshandbook.html

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