If guests are the lifeblood of your fitness center, then your staff is the heart that keeps it pumping. And with 113,326 gym, health, and fitness club businesses in the U.S. in 2023, it’s more important than ever to assemble a team that sets your facility apart and cultivates a loyal membership.
But what is the right way to staff a fitness center? There is no one-size-fits-all solution that will match every facility’s unique needs and goals, but there are foundational principles that can help set your health club up for success. Proper staffing can significantly reduce employee turnover, foster a strong company culture, and improve overall organizational structure. Effective recruitment and onboarding strategies are crucial to ensure staff are well-integrated into your gym’s environment.
Below, discover four tips from Arch Experts to remember when staffing your fitness facility.
Arch Expert Tips for Staffing a Fitness Facility
Nurture Your Team
“It continues to be a competitive market for staffing, so making your fitness center stand out as an ideal place to work is important,” says Julie Keller Callaghan, managing director of Hutchinson Consulting, an Arch Company. “Think about how you can support your team members with perks that encourage loyalty like professional development sessions, transparent paths to advancement, open communication, and more. Being clear about job responsibilities and expectations and having continual feedback for improvement and growth will help team members feel seen, heard, and appreciated, which goes a long way in employee retention, as well.”
Think Holistically
“Your fitness center or health club staff should not only include trainers but also wellness coaches, rehabilitation specialist, nutritionists, and mental health professionals to cater to the holistic well-being of members,” says Chris Griebe, senior vice president of business development at Arch Amenities Group. “Recruit individuals with diverse skill sets, including digital fitness expertise, to manage both in-person and virtual fitness sessions. Don’t forget about the demand for specialized trainers in niche areas like senior fitness, youth programs, and performance coaches as well.”
Embrace Flexibility
Remaining flexible in terms of both on-site scheduling and staff needs is imperative for the success of any health club or fitness center.
“One of the most impactful shifts in staffing fitness centers recently has been felt in corporate fitness,” says Troy Meier, senior regional director at Arch Amenities Group. “Due to the hybrid work model, there tends to be mid-week peaks in utilization and our corporate fitness centers have had to shift and modify our staffing to support the programming, events and classes around the patterns of our members working onsite versus from home.”
From a staff perspective, offering flexible working hours and remote opportunities not only attracts a broader talent pool but also leads to higher job satisfaction and retention.
Don’t Forget Marketing
Staffing a successful fitness center requires a well-rounded team with diverse skill sets to effectively manage operations and drive growth.
“Social media and marketing trends are impactful to any business’ success,” says Amy Marable, national director of programming at Arch Amenities Group. “Staffing social media managers and marketing teams will allow for more visibility to new customers as well as innovative solutions to promotions and engagement strategies.”
Effective marketing can lead to an influx of new clientele, making it essential to have a strong operational foundation to support this growth. “Having proper operational managers, specialized fitness staff, sales team and maintenance will properly streamline the operations,” Marable adds.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, your team is the cornerstone of your fitness center’s success. They are the driving force behind member satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, your bottom line. Investing in your talent is not just an expense; it’s a strategic investment in your business’s future. By cultivating a dynamic, skilled, and motivated workforce, fitness centers can not only weather industry challenges but thrive in the competitive landscape of 2024 and beyond. Remember, happy and engaged employees lead to happy and engaged members.
