How to Build a Workplace Gym That Employees Actually Use (Case Study)

How to Build a Workplace Gym That Employees Actually Use (Case Study)

Why Workplace Gyms Are the Future of Corporate Wellness

More companies in Berlin and beyond are investing in on-site fitness facilities to boost employee well-being, reduce stress, and improve productivity. However, not all workplace gyms succeed—many remain underutilized because they don’t align with employee needs.

So, how do you build a workplace gym that employees actually use? In this case study, we’ll explore real success stories and provide actionable steps to help your company create a thriving corporate fitness culture.


Case Study: How a Berlin Tech Firm Increased Employee Gym Usage by 300%

📍 Company: Berlin-based software company with 150 employees
🎯 Challenge: Low employee engagement with their existing workplace gym
🚀 Solution: Personalized gym experience, flexible access, and external trainer partnerships
📈 Result: 300% increase in gym usage & 85% employee satisfaction with the new wellness program

Key Strategies They Used:

Surveying Employee Preferences – Employees wanted HIIT workouts, yoga, and flexible hours
Partnering with Local Trainers – Certified trainers led group classes & individual coaching
Flexible Gym Access – Employees could book gym slots via an internal scheduling system
Corporate Wellness Incentives – A rewards program encouraged consistent gym attendance

📌 Interested in setting up a private gym for your company? Learn more about our corporate fitness solutions.


5 Steps to Building a Workplace Gym That Employees Will Actually Use

1. Survey Employee Preferences Before Designing the Gym

A common mistake companies make is building a gym without understanding employee needs. Before investing in equipment, ask employees:

What workouts do they prefer? (Strength training, yoga, cardio, HIIT)
What time slots work best? (Morning, lunch breaks, after work)
Would they use personal trainers or group classes?

📌 Tip: Use Google Forms or anonymous surveys to gather feedback and design a gym that employees will actually use.


2. Invest in the Right Equipment & Space Layout

Once you understand your team’s fitness preferences, invest in the right mix of equipment:

🏋️ Strength Training: Dumbbells, squat racks, resistance machines
🔥 HIIT & Functional Training: Kettlebells, battle ropes, sled tracks
🏃 Cardio Equipment: Treadmills, rowing machines, assault bikes
🧘 Mind-Body Wellness: Yoga mats, foam rollers, meditation areas

📖 Trending Now: How Workplace Gyms Boost Company Culture.


3. Offer Flexible Booking & 24/7 Access

Many employees avoid workplace gyms due to inconvenient schedules. Solve this by:

Implementing an Online Booking System – Employees can reserve time slots
Providing 24/7 Access – Especially for remote & late-shift workers
Creating Dedicated Time Blocks – Separate slots for quiet workouts vs. group sessions

📌 Tip: Workplace gyms that allow on-demand bookings see 40% higher usage rates than those with fixed hours.


4. Partner with Local Trainers & Wellness Experts

One of the biggest game-changers for workplace gyms is offering structured classes and personal training. Many employees feel lost without guidance, so partnering with certified trainers can:

🏆 Increase engagement with fun group workouts
💪 Improve employee fitness levels through structured programs
🤝 Build a strong workplace community

🏋️ Success Story:
👉 "Our company gym was barely used until we introduced personal training sessions. Now, employees actually look forward to their workouts!"HR Manager, Berlin Tech Firm

📌 Need a certified trainer for your workplace gym? Check out our corporate fitness solutions.


5. Create Incentives & Wellness Challenges

To keep employees motivated, introduce:

Corporate wellness challenges – Step challenges, strength goals, yoga streaks
Recognition & rewards – Monthly fitness milestones with company perks
Fitness-friendly policies – Discounted gym memberships for remote workers

📌 Case Study Insight: After introducing a fitness reward system, one company saw a 62% increase in gym participation in just three months.


Final Thoughts: Make Your Workplace Gym a Success

A well-planned workplace gym can increase employee satisfaction, boost productivity, and reduce stress—but only if it’s designed with employees in mind.

📌 Ready to create a fitness space your employees will love? Explore our corporate fitness solutions and start building your ideal workplace gym today!

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