Corporate wellness and exercise programs are a smart investment, but to truly work, they need to reach everyone on your team. That means going beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and creating an experience where employees of all fitness levels, backgrounds, and schedules feel welcome and able to participate.
If you’re a business owner thinking about launching or improving your wellness efforts, use these tips to build a corporate exercise program that supports the whole team, not just a few.
Start With Real Team Input
The first step in building an inclusive wellness program is asking your employees what they actually want. Every workplace is different. What works for one team might not work for another.
You can gather input through a short survey, a suggestion box, or even informal conversations during meetings.
Focus your questions around…
- What types of wellness activities interest them
- Whether they prefer group sessions, solo options, or both
- The best times during the day to participate
- Barriers that have kept them from joining in the past
If you skip this step, you risk low participation or even resistance. But when people feel included from the start, they’re more likely to stay involved.
According to a 2022 Gallup report, only 24% of U.S. employees strongly agree that their employer cares about their well-being. You can stand out simply by listening.
Offer Flexibility in How, When, and Where
One major reason employees skip wellness programs is a lack of flexibility. Not everyone is free at lunchtime. Some may work remotely or part-time. Others may feel uncomfortable in high-intensity group workouts or unsure where to begin.
An inclusive corporate exercise program should provide options that fit into people’s lives without stress. For example:
- Live and on-demand workouts for all schedules
- Virtual access for remote or traveling employees
- A range of classes like strength training, yoga, stretching, and walking
- Beginner-friendly sessions with clear instructions and modifications
- Sessions that don’t require equipment or special space
Mile High Fitness and Wellness offers both on-site and virtual wellness classes, along with tailored coaching and planning support to help meet your team where they are.
When you make movement more accessible, more people show up.
Create a Safe Space
Wellness should never feel like a competition. Unfortunately, many people associate group fitness with feelings of embarrassment, discomfort, or judgment.
An inclusive program is one where anyone can join in without feeling singled out or left behind.
You can help create that kind of environment by:
- Making participation optional and pressure-free
- Allowing cameras to be off during virtual classes
- Encouraging people to move at their own pace
- Choosing instructors who are trained in inclusive language and teaching styles
- Providing written class summaries or previews so people know what to expect
People are more likely to keep coming back when they feel physically and emotionally safe during the experience.
Include More Than Just Fitness
Exercise is important, but not everyone will connect with workouts right away. Some employees may be more motivated by other aspects of wellness like nutrition, stress reduction, sleep improvement, or mental health support.
An inclusive corporate exercise program includes a mix of wellness tools, such as:
- Group wellness challenges that involve step goals or hydration tracking
- Health coaching for personal fitness or dietary goals
- Workshops on topics like meal prep, burnout prevention, or stretching at your desk
- Mindfulness sessions to help reduce anxiety and improve focus
Mile High provides all of these as part of their corporate wellness packages. By offering more than just fitness classes, you make space for everyone to benefit, no matter where they’re starting from.
Celebrate Progress Without Comparison
Tracking results can be motivating, but it can also backfire when people feel they’re being judged or compared to others. To keep things inclusive, focus more on engagement and effort rather than performance.
Here are a few ways to celebrate without pressure:
- Share milestones like class participation, not just outcomes
- Recognize team-based achievements rather than individual rankings
- Let employees choose whether to opt into tracking tools
- Highlight personal stories or testimonials with consent
Positive reinforcement helps people build healthy habits, especially when they don’t feel like they have to be the best at something to be part of it.
The ROI of Inclusive Wellness
Inclusion is the right thing to do, and it’s also a practical business decision. When more people are able to participate, the entire organization benefits. According to research from Harvard, companies see a return of $1.50 to $3 for every dollar spent on corporate exercise and wellness programs.
These savings come from fewer sick days, lower insurance costs, improved morale, and higher productivity.
Inclusive wellness programs also improve retention. Employees who feel supported in their health are more likely to stay long-term and perform at a higher level.
And you don’t need a huge budget. Mile High creates scalable programs that work for small businesses and large teams alike.
Other Ways to Make Your Program Effective
Once your wellness program is up and running, don’t set it and forget it. Keep it relevant with regular check-ins and small updates.
Try doing the following every few months:
- Ask for feedback through anonymous surveys
- Review participation numbers to spot patterns
- Introduce new class types or themes to prevent burnout
- Adjust your timing and format based on work schedules
By continuing to listen and adapt, your program will stay fresh, helpful, and inclusive.
When to Bring in a Professional for Corporate Exercise Programs
Wellness programs take time, energy, and planning. If you’re already managing a business, it may feel like too much to handle on your own.
That’s where a professional partner can help. Consider outsourcing your corporate exercise program if:
- You want to offer both virtual and on-site options
- Your team needs structure, variety, or ongoing support
- You’re not sure where to start or how to keep people engaged
Mile High Fitness and Wellness builds fully managed, done-for-you wellness programs with flexible scheduling, expert instructors, and real results. Their approach is designed to be inclusive from day one.
Conclusion
Successful corporate exercise programs aren’t just about offering workouts. It’s about building something your entire team can use, enjoy, and benefit from.
When you create a program that feels inclusive and accessible, more people join in. That leads to better outcomes for your business and a stronger, healthier team.
Want help designing a wellness program your whole team will use? Let Mile High create a plan that fits your people, your schedule, and your goals.
