Designing a corporate fitness center: balancing aesthetics, functionality and employee needs

From the desk of Alex Greenberg, Vice President, Business Development

At Optum Workplace Well-being, we know that designing a corporate fitness program is a strategic investment in employee health and productivity. Whether our client’s goal is to use their fitness amenity to attract and retain talent or reduce healthcare costs, we aspire to help reduce costs through engagement and efficiency. With decades of experience, millions of member visits, manufacturer training and client feedback, we’ve perfected the balance between aesthetics, functionality and effectiveness.

Focus on aesthetic design

When designing a corporate fitness center, start by considering how to make the space feel both energizing and relaxing. Optum often recommends incorporating natural light, biophilia and specialized flooring to create a professional, inviting atmosphere.

Another aspect to consider is the company’s brand identity. We often integrate a client’s brand color palette, logos and themes to foster a sense of cohesion with the property. 

Functionality for all fitness levels

The fitness center needs to serve all employees, from fitness enthusiasts to those who are just starting their wellness journey. A critical aspect of our design philosophy is ensuring that the layout and equipment choices support the program and caters to people at a variety of fitness levels and health goals.

Consider balancing areas of the center to accommodate high intensity equipment along with low sweat/no sweat activities, such as self-guided and instructor led individual and group classes, along with quiet spaces. We recommend self-powered, mobile, multi-functional equipment that saves space, such as machines that can be easily adjusted for different exercises, maximizing the available square footage.

Personalization through employee needs assessment

Before diving into design, Optum recommends assessing employee health data, preferences and goals, to design a fitness center that caters to the unique population. For example, if a large percentage of the workforce works in a high-stress environment, we might prioritize areas for yoga, meditation and mindfulness, along with wearable device solutions that help employees measure their stress levels. On the other hand, for more active teams, we may focus on strength training and functional fitness setups.

Integrating technology for enhanced engagement

Digital integration is key to keeping employees engaged and measuring results, whether they’re working on-site, remotely or in a hybrid setup. At Optum, we recommend integrating smart equipment and wearable technology to allow employees to track their workouts and progress seamlessly. Incorporating features like mobile app integration for class bookings, progress tracking challenges and virtual workout programs can elevate the fitness experience.

Flexibility and futureproofing

Flexible, modular design options allow for easy reconfiguration of the space as employee preferences inevitably change over time. For example, repurposing smaller offices throughout a property create “energy rooms” that can more quickly and easily infuse wellness into the workday with recovery, meditation, lifestyle coaching, and more.

The holistic approach to workplace wellness

At Optum, our holistic approach to workplace wellness means that the fitness center becomes more than just a place for physical activity — it’s a space where employees can recharge mentally and emotionally. Prioritizing group activity over individual activities reduces program costs, leads to staffing efficiencies and helps build community amongst employees. Integrating stress management, nutrition counselling and ergonomic support into the fitness experience creates a complete well-being solution that welcomes the majority of any population.

Let us help you design a fitness program that not only enhances employee health but also reflects your company’s culture and values, fostering a happier, more productive workforce. With our expertise and data-driven operating model we’ll create a space that strikes the perfect balance between aesthetics, functionality and results.

Optum Workplace Well-being offers expert services in fitness center management, guiding companies through every phase, from conceptual design to daily operations.