List Highlights Workplace Wellness Leaders
ABC Fitness and Hydrow are included on a new list that recognizes top-notch employee wellness offerings
Two leading companies in the fitness and wellness industry have earned a spot on the 2024 Wellness list from Most Loved Workplaces, a certification and employee survey platform. The newly issued Wellness list recognizes organizations that have gone above and beyond in prioritizing employee well-being, as corporate wellness becomes an integral part of the employment landscape for both employers and employees.
The Wellness list was based on a proprietary sentiment and emotion analysis algorithm developed in partnership with the Best Practice Institute, incorporating employee experiences with workplace wellness initiatives and a company’s overall commitment to wellness.
The 2024 Most Loved Workplaces for Wellness includes Databricks, an IT company that landed on the list for supporting employee wellness with mental health days, wellness stipends and virtual fitness classes and computer software giant Palo Alto Networks for offering on-site health services, mindfulness workshops aimed at reducing stress and promoting wellness, and ergonomic support.
Hydrow, the connected fitness company known for its at-home rower and immersive workout, also appears on the Wellness list — credited for offering its employees access to rowing machines and virtual fitness programs. The Boston-based fitness company acquired a majority stake in strength training and analytics company Speede Fitness earlier this year, with plans to transform into a whole-body health company. In 2025, Hydrow will launch a digitally variable resistance product with adaptive feedback, the fitness company said.
Hilton Grand Vacations also made the cut, recognized for offering its employees access to confidential counseling, mental health first aid training and initiatives to create a supportive working environment. Consumer electronics company STIHL Inc. is featured for its flexible work arrangements and the creation of a comprehensive wellness program featuring financial wellness workshops and fitness incentives.
Fitness tech company ABC Fitness, led by CEO Bill Davis, and Athletic Brewing Company also appear on the official Wellness list. The non-alcoholic beer brand completed a $50 million equity financing round last month.
Rachana Jain, Chief People Officer of ABC Fitness, says that the Most Loved Workplace certification underscores the tech company’s commitment to its 2,000 global employees and its role in the wellness industry.
“Being recognized specifically for wellness further solidifies our position as a leader in workplace satisfaction and employee well-being,” Jain said. “At ABC Fitness, our core values of Best Life, One Team, and Growth Mindset, and a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DEBI) are the foundation of our organization.”
ABC Fitness offers its staffers open paid time off, wellness reimbursement, access to meditation and mindfulness resources, a quarterly “Day of Disconnect” where the entire organization takes the day off to unplug, rest and reset, and “Best Life Hours” throughout the summer for additional flexibility.
“Corporate wellness is no longer just a perk; it’s now a core expectation in creating a thriving workplace,” Most Loved Workplaces CEO and founder Louis Carter said. “Our research at Most Loved Workplace shows that when employees feel supported in both health and well-being, they are more engaged, productive, and loyal. With chronic stress contributing to nearly 120,000 deaths annually in the U.S., it’s clear that wellness programs are essential in building environments where people truly love to work.”
The full list of Most Loved Workplaces for Wellness can be viewed here.
Personal Trainers Bring Fitness to the Office
Emphasizing wellness and offering related perks to employees has shown to pay off — from increased engagement, higher productivity and retention and reduced absenteeism.
And, with the job market forecast for fitness and wellness professionals projected to grow 14% by 2032, the corporate wellness space has become lucrative for personal trainers and wellness coaches. In order to better prepare professionals to meet demand, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has just launched two new courses designed to enhance wellness coaching and business operations.
GymGuyz, a New York-based personal training and assisted stretching franchise, has expanded its operations and partnered with local businesses in light of the booming corporate wellness market. In one deal, GymGuyz signed a multi-year contract with San Jose’s parks and recreation department to lead a variety of fitness and wellness classes. In New Jersey, GymGuyz found a B2B partner with a major hospital system, offering on-site bootcamp-style fitness classes.
“It’s one thing for a company to subsidize gym memberships, but it’s another for that company to bring fitness into people’s lives in an accessible and sustainable way,” CMO and GymGuyz president Phil Brojan said late last year.
