Demand for on-site gyms surge as staff wellbeing takes centre stage

Joining a gym and getting in shape has gone beyond typical New Years’ Resolutions for many employees across the UK.

As health and wellbeing continue as priorities, new research from gym supply manufacturer BLK BOX has revealed an increased demand for office-based gyms from both employees and employers.

With more people looking for company benefits that actively support both physical and mental health, businesses are turning to on-site gyms for a simple way to keep everyone motivated and focused at work.

Why is there a big demand for office gyms?

As hybrid working evolves and competition for talent remains high, businesses are rethinking what a truly supportive office environment looks like. And that conversation is turning towards physical health and how the workplace itself can support it.

According to research by BLK BOX, Google searches for the term “offices with gyms” surged by 2,366% over the last year. The company also found that the number of requests for corporate gym builds has increased by nearly 60% year-on-year.

This demand demonstrates a shift in focus towards employer and employee health and wellbeing. After all, data from Reward Gateway found that 58% of UK workers now prioritise wellbeing, particularly among younger workers, including 67% of 16-to-24-year-olds and 68% of 25-to-34-year-olds.

Meanwhile, mental health also continues to be a top priority for employers, with 89% of organisations including it in their employee health initiatives.

Greg Bradley, Founder of BLX BOX, explains: “As workloads intensify and screen-based roles continue to dominate, we’re seeing a shift away from fitness being treated as a perk, towards it being viewed as part of the infrastructure that supports energy, focus and resilience at work.”

How do office gyms bring value to businesses?

On-site gyms can help to improve employee wellbeing, productivity, and retention. Easy access to exercise can also improve energy levels, reduce stress, and support better mental health – helping employees perform at their best while lowering absenteeism.

Convenience is also a major factor, as having an office gym removes the need for a separate commute or evening commitment, so employees can exercise during lunch breaks or after finishing.

Employers are also seeing the benefits. As CIPD’s Health and Wellbeing at Work report reveals, 38% of businesses say that they’ve witnessed “enhanced improvement” after investing in wellbeing initiatives. 39% also reported increased employee engagement and reduced sickness absence.

In terms of retention, further data from Reward Gateway also found that 84% of employees would consider staying at a job longer if they had more mental and physical wellbeing offerings.

“For businesses, that’s where the value lies,” Bradley adds. “Wellbeing shifts from something employees are encouraged to think about to something they regularly and collectively take part in.”

Should your business invest in an office gym?

Given the clear demand and interest in on-site gyms, businesses that invest in workplace fitness facilities have an opportunity to boost wellbeing, strengthen retention, and even stand out in the competitive hiring market. 

However, building a gym space within the office comes with a hefty price – not to mention the large amount of space required. Therefore, it isn’t always possible for smaller businesses to provide them. 

That said, there are ways you can support employee health without forking out on an on-site gym. This includes discounted gym memberships, access to mental health support through an Employee Assistance Programme, or running virtual workouts and wellness sessions.

Flexible working arrangements can also make it easier for employees to fit exercise into their day. Additionally, organising step challenges, partnering with local fitness studios, or creating dedicated quiet spaces for relaxation and mindfulness can show a strong commitment to wellbeing without needing a permanent gym space.

Even if building a dedicated gym isn’t feasible, you can still create a good company culture that elevates health through other alternatives. Simply just prioritising wellbeing – whether through a gym or other initiatives – can help you create a stronger and more engaged workforce.