HR Corner Setting the standard by Rachel Sproston International fitness expert strengthens teams from the inside out Gone are the days when copious amounts of morning coffee followed by indulgent after-hours sessions were considered part and parcel of the road to success. Today, employers are waking up to the idea that healthy staff are more positive and productive. However, talking about the work-life balance and proactively encouraging staff to maintain it are two separate issues. One intelligent company though, has risen to the challenge and chosen to energise employees with an "Operation shape up" initiative. "Our entire team, not just frontline staff who work with members, underwent a fitness test last Friday to coincide with the Olympic opening ceremony," says Corne Van Zyl, managing director, Fitness First Hong Kong. The test comprises six exercises ranging from cardiovascular analyses like treadmill running, stationary cycling and rowing, to muscular strength tests like crunches and chin ups. Finally, stretch and reach check flexibility. Staff score points in each area and a total score is collated to give an overall fitness level. In essence, as Fitness First is acutely aware of individual differences and the holistic nature of good health, employees who struggle in one area can make up the shortfall in another. Energy booster A boot camp is organised for staff who do not make the grade. Held at Fitness First centres three times a week for four consecutive weeks, the boot camp encourages staff to up the ante and hit their health and fitness goals. "Fitness is our business so we should truly live what we do," Mr Van Zyl notes, acknowledging that a fitter team is a happier team and also a great example for members who choose Fitness First to facilitate their journey towards their own health goals. "Fitness is our business so we should truly live what we do" It is projects like "Operation shape up" which enthusiastic Fitness First personnel have devised over the years that set the club apart from its competitors. To date, Fitness First remains the largest health club operator in the UK and Europe, a leader in Asia and the largest in the world. More than 1.5 million members frequent the 550 clubs worldwide, and a whopping 60 centres are currently up and running in Asia. With such a range of clubs in so many international locations it is easy to see why Fitness First is the employer of choice. Global exposure Mr Van Zyl himself hails from South Africa but has managed Fitness First in both Indonesia and Singapore. "We are always looking for exceptional business leaders who have experience in either the health profession, sales or the service industry," he explains. The scope for international exposure is also second-to-none at Fitness First because of the extensive reach the club enjoys globally. The inspirational aspect of "Operation shape up" is mirrored on a similar scale in the company's global "Asia momentum" event which is now in its seventh year. All national managers and club general managers attend this exhilarating event benefiting from the opportunity to touch base with regional counterparts and discuss the direction of both Fitness First and the industry as a whole. "The event is not all about work," Mr Van Zyl emphasises. "We have a Fitness First idol competition where teams from each country vie for top spot in a talent competition and last year the Thai team was superb." Indeed, the trip is meant to be an incentive to reward staff for their loyalty and commitment. Regarding Fitness First as a key player in such a competitive industry in Hong Kong, Mr Van Zyl looks beyond the abacus. "We want to change people's lives and make exercise a fundamental part of their regular routine." Quality employer * Fit and focused staff the key to progress in health industry * Fitness tests set new benchmarks for entire team * Annual international get-together a staff incentive Taken from Career Times 15 August 2008, p. A20 Your comments are welcome at [email protected]