Incentives that curve turnover rates?
For those of you who have in the past or currently been employed at a fitness facility in any capacity (as employee or as an independent contractor) what incentives or other benefits made it worth while to stay – – perhaps longer than you anticipated?
Basically, how can gym owners and managers help alleviate turnover rates for both employees and independent contractors?
If you are a gym owner/manager and had success in keeping great personal trainers, what worked for you?
Hi Lawrence,
In addition to Karin’s comments, I think if the trainer brings clients into the gym and also retains any existing clientele, a bonus or a % of the total PT income should be given back to the trainer. The way I see it, if the trainer is good and does the job well, then there is no reason why he or she shouldn’t get something back for great job performance. Trainers are on the front lines and when a gym has great trainers, the gym’s revenue will increase and it’s reputation will be unbeatable.
In every other industry I can think of, employees have an annual performance review where their supervisor evaluates them and sets goals for professional improvement or advancement, and employees receive merit increases based on these reviews. I think that’s missing from our industry. An annual review is a great opportunity to let employees know what they’re doing well and/or what they can improve, in a constructive way. Plus it gives good employees a raise to strive for, and mediocre employees goals to attain (or you a means to terminate poor performers).
Speaking of benefits that are missing from our industry, any health care benefit would be a big incentive. Whether it’s an opportunity to buy into a group plan at a lower rate, or some sort of a health care expense account or allowance, I think that would be a great incentive. It’s odd that as a group, trainers are likely some of the healthiest people in the world, and most have no health insurance coverage provided.
It’s like any other corporation; if the people who work for them are doing an amazing job and the company is successful, then the company stands to gain the most. Or for example, in the world of professional sports, if you own a team and your players are happy with you, they will do their best to keep the team winning and the fans happy (which equates to higher revenues for the organization). I hope this helps.
Best,
Harris