Work perk ~ Is a workout room a good perk?

Question

Our building has a tennant leaving. This leaves us with a big room (25X40) and two offices free for our use. about half of that space needs to go to storage and one office needs to go to be a new survey office. But the rest we would be glad to use to provide a benefit to our employees (~25 people)

Our best thought is to build a dividing wall and put a workout room in half of the big room. Stairsteeper, treadmill and a weight station. Oh yes and a TV.

Can you think of any other ideas that a ~20x25 space could be used for? I'm not sure if many people will actually use it. Or what would be your best suggestions for a workout room?

Also - It has a small bathroom, but no shower. We are in a small town and I figure people who work out at lunch or break wont need a shower and anyone who does a big workout after work can run home for a shower since plumbing is expensive. Any thoughts on that?

Answer 1

There is no question, a healthy workforce is a plus for all involved. The business owner, and the workers. You can probably write off the expense over a few years, maybe get some kind of tax break, and save money in sickness and absenteeism. You may want to check your insurance however. If someone sues you because they injured themselves on the equipment and can't work, you might be in trouble. Ask your insurance agent or your company attorney.

Answer 2

have that space plumb`d for a shower any way, even if you dont use it at first, you may decide to put in a hot tub or spa at a later date, and that is a very attractive selling point when you decide to vacate/sell /lease in the future. keep the television area distinctly separate from the work areas, for privacy if nothing else in both directions.

Answer 3

Ask your workers for ideas. Then have everyone vote on it.