The Vital Role of Onsite Fitness Centers in Restoring Workplace Connection
Written by: Michael Vivio, CEO of Corporate Fitness Works
As a former CEO in the corporate environment, and now the CEO of Corporate Fitness Works—a leader in onsite fitness center management—I recognize the profound impact that the pandemic has had on workplace dynamics. The shift to remote work resulted in a loss of connection among co-workers, leaving employees yearning for meaningful interactions beyond Zoom calls. As we navigate the return to the office, the fitness center emerges as a beacon of reconnection—a place where engagement, camaraderie, and well-being intersect.
Rebuilding Bonds Through Fitness
The Post-COVID Loss
The pandemic disrupted our daily routines, separating us physically while challenging our sense of community. Employees missed the water cooler chats, hallway conversations, and shared lunches. The loss of these seemingly small interactions had a profound effect on morale and engagement. Now, as employees step back into the office, we must address this deficit because rebuilding connections between coworkers means rebuilding a connection with the employer.
The Fitness Center: More Than Exercise
Beyond treadmills and dumbbells, the fitness center serves as a hub for connection. Group fitness classes, yoga sessions, and weightlifting workouts create opportunities for spontaneous conversations. In these moments, colleagues become more than desk neighbors; they become allies in the pursuit of health and social interaction.
Data Speaks Louder
A Surge in Utilization
Our corporate fitness centers tell a compelling story. Nationally, across all CFW-managed facilities, member check-ins between January 1 and June 30, 2024, were 50% higher compared to the same period last year. In June 2024 alone, check-ins exceeded 10,000—an impressive 39% increase over June 2023. These numbers reflect not just physical activity but also the hunger for connection.
Investing in Connection
Corporate leadership holds the power to shape workplace culture in the near term. By investing in onsite fitness centers, they signal their commitment to employee well-being, happiness, and loyalty. These centers go beyond exercise; they foster relationships, bridge gaps, and create lasting bonds. As employees return to work, let’s ensure that the fitness center remains a place of connection—one squat, one conversation, and one high-five at a time.
Michael Vivio is Chief Executive Officer of Corporate Fitness Works with executive leadership experience in marketing, advertising, publishing, and franchise industries. Prior to acquiring Corporate Fitness Works in 2018, Michael was President and CEO of Valpak Direct Marketing and Savings.com. Before Valpak, he was publisher for The Austin American Statesmen, a newspaper and multi-media company in Austin, TX and was awarded Texas Newspaper Leader of the Year in 2011. He has vast experience with leading companies to success and a true interest in giving people what they need to succeed.