Sarratt GYM Project

Advanced Business Writing

Gwyn Robson

Researched Proposal

Modupe Sarratt

Introduction

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT“On the Go” for Office Creation

John E. Davies, President

CC: Dr. Harris

Alicia BlakeSarah KingStaff

Dr. AlongePaul Cahn

FROM: Modupe O. Sarratt, Executive Assistant

Creating an On-Site Workout Facility/Gym

We are no longer able to compete in today's job market because of our inability to increase our productivity to required standard that meet today job market. Many of our employees are no longer fit to do their current job and as a result, we are no longer a producing company. Moreover, we are not up to date in our work place as one of the top-notch corporate executives.

Problem

The employees’ lack of fitness to do their job linked to weight gain/obesity that causes some health issues and time off from work for doctor appointments.

Suggestion

Besides, helping our employees to be fit to do their job and beyond, we also have the challenge to meet today work environment. Weight gain/obesity is health issues that can be minimize with workout or exercising.

Solution

Majority of the staff responded to have an on-site gym: 90% responded, while 10% did not respond after a pre-planning hearing to convert our basement into a gym.

Steps to take

•Purchase these two books recommend by HR:

•ACSM’s Health/Fitness Facility Standards & Guidelines, Second Ed., American College of Sports Medicine, 1992.•Health Fitness Management, A Comprehensive Resource for Managing and Operation Programs and Facilities, by William C. Granthan/Robert W. Patton/Tracy D. York/Mitchel L. Winick, Human Kinetics, 1989.

•Read the books to learn about standards, guidelines, liability, and other issues.

•Create a survey to assess employee interest in an on-site facility.

•Talk with your legal department regarding liability issues.

•Consider hiring a qualified consultant or fitness management company to assist in the design, start-up, and possible management of your exercise facility.

•Work closely with your company’s facilities department to assess cost and space issues.

•Write a business plan for your proposed on-site fitness center

HR Guidebook (2012)

Preliminary Research

The staff unanimously preferred having an on-site gym versus gym memberships; memberships can become quite costly, inconvenient, require a long-term contract, and it is an expense for the company because there is no tax benefit for having a gym membership.

While the united States Department of Health and Human Services report the impact of “Obesity-related health problems cost U.S. businesses an estimated $13 billion including about $8 billion in health insurance costs, $2.4 billion for sick leave and average health care expenditures for people with diabetes run about $13,243 per person.” (Prevention)

However, the IRS provides tax benefits to companies who have on-site workout facilities, according to Hearst Communication Inc Tax Incentive for Workforce Health Improvement Program Act, “IRS allows businesses to deduct only the costs of providing on-site gym facilities and employees do not pay taxes on those benefits.” (Hearst)

The USGS Physical Fitness Program Handbook for funding suggested, “To buy equipment or establish an on-site fitness center, overall costs may not exceed $300.00 per employee times 10 years.” (USGS)

Information Architecture

It is possible to convert our basement into an on-site workout facility, such as this online design by "Club Gym Site" Estimated construction cost on average from

$5,000 to $10,000.

Benefits• Free design and consulting service• Equipment orientation• Equipment service and preventative maintenance services• Extended warranty programs• Having one source for all our product and service need• 24-hour response time

Gymsource.com (2011)

Why consider On-Site Workout Facility Fitness

•Having on-site gym is an investment to our company and to our employees.

•Employees who have convenient access to an on site fitness facility are much more likely to use it regularly than those who must travel to an off site location before or after working hours.

•Increased employee engagement, reduce absenteeism, improve morale, cut down on stress and stress related concerns such as " preventive sick leave".

•Create a team spirit, foster competitive attitudes, and add a useful employee benefit which might also aid in recruiting and retention.

•Recent studies have shown that fit workers are safer workers, more productive, with a better attitude toward their job, their workplace, and their fellow workers

according to "Fitness and Health“ for Human Kinetics

•Appropriate wellness plans in the workplace can return up to $3.00 for every

$1.00 invested by management according to “Health Management Research”

Fitness On The Job (2010)

Cost ranges for an On-Site facility

MinimumMinimal or no staff (not recommended due to liability issues)No locker rooms Conference room with TV, VCR, or DVD, mats and exercise ballsCOST: up to $500*

IntermediateMinimal staffLocker rooms or shower facilities on site Dedicated exercise spaceUniversal weight-training machine2 – 5 pieces of cardiovascular equipmentCOST: $5,000 - $20,000*

AdvancedStaffed with qualified personnelLocker roomsFully-equipped gym with strength training and cardiovascular equipmentFitness and health promotion programsAnnual cost: $50,000 - $500,000**Cost averages do not include facility construction costs

HR Guidebook (2012)

Gym Design - Health & Fitness Facilities

These following slide were the envision for functioning corporate on-site workout

facility designed by motive8.

Motive8 is a health & fitness consultancy specializing in gym design, personal training and schools sports provision, have been established for over 11 years and are based in Hampton Hill, Middlesex

According Richard Klein, an associated from Linklaters law firm, “Motive 8 has the expertise to help create the fitness facility that ensure fit-for-purpose equipment specification regardless of project size or budget, offer professional, expert guidance and advice on all manner of gym facility issues including layout, health & safety, flooring, lighting, and maintenance.

Motive8 is commissioned by Linklaters prominent global law firm to design and manage the installation of their corporate staff fitness and wellbeing facility at UK Headquarters London. An emerging trend among large corporate firms is to provide on-site fitness facilities to develop and support employee wellbeing whilst also attracting more high quality staff

Motive8 is able to offer guidance from pre-planning to completion and beyond.”

Motive8 corporate gym (2012)

Project Case Study

MOTIVE8 (2012)

Corporate Gym Design

Equipment Facility

Corporate Gym Design

Convenient Facility

MOTIVE8 (2012)

FITNESS FACILITIES

MOTIVE8 (2012)

Corporate Gym Design

MOTIVE8 (2012)

Corporate Gym Design

Dressing Facility

DrawbacksThe reconstruction of our basement into a gym could be long and noisy.

According to Shelley Frost there are some others draw backs such as, “A gym in the workplace presents some disadvantages for employees and the company. The employer takes responsibility for creating and maintaining a safe gym for the employees. Misuse of equipment or improperly maintained equipment leaves employees open to injury. Free weights are particularly dangerous. A gym accumulates a variety of germs on the equipment that could spread illnesses through the staff. Exercising next to your boss or a coworker with a higher fitness level leads to feelings of insecurity or competition in some cases. These negative feelings can spill over into the workplace and create tension between colleagues.” (Frost)

AdvantagesAn on-site gym would eliminate the need to reimburse employees for gym memberships and travel expenses. An on-site gym is a benefit to our company and to our employees.

In pursuit of new employees, we will be able to offer the on-site benefit versus a reimbursement for gym membership fees. Our staff has indicated that they would prefer having their gym tax benefits donated for creating on-site workout facility.

There is a greater benefit to having onsite facility, our employee can come in earlier to exercise and be able to be at their desk on time. Moreover, they can choose to exercise during their lunchtime, or later in the evening before going home.

The gym would be available to all employees from Monday to Friday between 6am-8am, Noon-2pm, and 5pm-8pm

Frost, Shelley (2011)

www.livestrong.comEmployees and corporations stand to benefit from corporate wellness initiatives. An on-site gym promotes fitness for all employees in a convenient location. While the benefits are numerous, the drawbacks are also worth considering before establishing a workout facility in the office. Address any potential issues or dangers to keep the employees safe.

Employee BenefitsA gym in the workplace saves employees money on a gym membership at another facility. The affordable access to workout equipment encourages employees who might not otherwise exercise to participate in physical activity. Regular use of the on-site gym facilitates weight loss and increased fitness. Exercising at the office boosts mood and focus, allowing the employees to better concentrate on their work when they return to their desks. The convenient location makes it easier for staff members to squeeze in a workout by cutting out the commute to the gym.

Company BenefitsA corporate gym appeals to potential employees as an extra benefit. Employees who are fit and healthy because of regular exercise are generally more productive. Higher productivity saves the company money. The employees are also more likely to stay healthy if they exercise regularly, which means fewer absences. Healthier employees can also help reduce

the cost of group health insurance for the company.

Frost, Shelley (2011)

Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images

According to Shelley Frost On-Site Gyms workplace offered many benefits. The benefits are endless.

Conclusion

Reference

Fitness On The Job (2010) http://www.fitnessonthejob.com/why.html

Frost, Shelley (2011) About On-Site Gyms in the Work Place

http://www.livestrong.com/article/389718-about-on-site-gyms-in-the-work-place/

Gym Source (2011) http://www.gymsource.com/media/wysiwyg/test-3.jpg

Hearst Communication Inc. Tax Incentive for Company who offer gyms incentive (2012http://smallbusiness.chron.com/tax-incentives-companies-offer-gym-memberships-

18505.html

HR Guidebook, Establish on site fitness rooms or exercise facilities (2012)http://www.elinfonet.com/human-resources/Establish-on-site-fitness-rooms-or- exercise-

facilities/-us

Motive8 Group 2012 Corporate Gym Design - Health & Fitness FacilitiesReg No: 04013702 Vat No: 805694414. http://www.m8group.co.uk/gym-design/

Prevention Makes Common “Cent” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2003) http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/prevention/prevention.pdf

USGS Gov Human Capital Services and Support Physical Fitness Program Handbook-Funding (2011) http://www.usgs.gov/humancapital/pb/physicalfitnesshandbook.html

Blip Networks (2012) ThinQ Fitness 10 Minute Dynaband Stretch

http://blip.tv/thinqfitness/thinq-fitness-10-minute-dynaband-stretch-5918765