How To Build a Staff Appreciation Culture in Your Fitness Studio
A common question I hear from studio owners is, "how do I 'get' my staff to buy into my business?" I understand the sentiment behind the question. It is frustrating to pour your heart and soul into a business only to feel like your staff is going through the motions or waiting for a better offer. Buy-in doesn't happen with force, training, or even compensation- although some of those things help. Instead, staff engagement is fostered through the community you build, whether your staff feels appreciated and valued and how much they feel like their job matters.
I had some truly amazing teachers and staff at my studio. From the managers to the barre-tenders, turnover was low, high engagement was the standard, and almost everyone attended every single staff meeting. A year after I sold my studio, I sent a survey to my staff and asked them what made them so dedicated to the studio. I was flooded with responses about what worked, what didn't, and why they loved their job. Let's dive into their responses:
Survey Question: What Made You Feel Appreciated?
Regarding workplace retention, showing retention is essential to keep your employees happy and engaged. This quick read is one of my favorite resources for learning your staff's preferred method of receiving appreciation. It was a cornerstone of my strategy.
My Staff Survey Responses:
"Flex is a studio I always feel safe in as a member and employee. A lot of positivity came greatly from you, Niki, and spread to everyone in the room. Because you verbally called out great things people do, others would do the same. So it was one thing getting a compliment from you as a boss for giving a great studio tour with perceptive members but another when coworkers or even members chime in saying what a great job I or someone else was doing. That made my day."
"Client and staff engagement, we had regularly scheduled meetings as a team and also were required to attend classes to qualify for our bonuses. It really helped to shape our community!"
"I felt trusted and like I was "part of it." I didn't just feel like a cog in a wheel. I could make small decisions about how I cleaned, where I placed sale items, waiving a sock rental fee, etc., when it felt like the right thing to do. I wasn't just a robot doing the bidding of the boss. I was working to make Flex the best possible using my own skillset to do so. And free classes/being able to participate in all the events - HUGE perks that really backed up my feeling of being "part of it."
"High communication about business/vision/happenings, etc., little perks (e.g., jumping into a class early b/c you've been performing and boss is in town, winning something, surprise coffee/juice, etc.), constantly being asked about feedback and then someone DOING something w/it, being "thanked" (not letting "no news be good news," but hearing appreciation), being given a special project to take on, staff meetings, evaluations, raises/promotions…"
"Checking in personally and professionally. Feedback, both recognition, and ways of improvement. Simply being told I was appreciated and being treated like a human being with compassion and kindness."
"I feel appreciated when my manager tells me I am, but also shows this too. For example, working with my schedule, being supportive, and being available."
I share this not (just) to portray that my staff felt truly appreciated but to show what mattered most to them in their words.
How To Build an Appreciation Culture in Your Studio?
Pay them competitively and offer financial incentives.
Survey your teachers and ask them precisely what makes them feel valued.
Meet with your teachers one-on-one and confirm their survey results. "I hear you saying you feel appreciated when I ______. Is that accurate?"
Put it into action daily to show that you take your job seriously.
Surprise your staff with little extras.
Survey Questions
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Asking your staff what they enjoy most about their job provides valuable insight into what motivates them. Perhaps they love working with clients and helping them reach their fitness goals. They may like the social aspect of the job and interacting with other staff members. Understanding what your employees enjoy can help you tailor their job responsibilities and work environment to maximize their job satisfaction.
What are your long-term career goals? How can I support you?
This information helps you provide staff with opportunities for growth and development within the company, such as trainings and continued education. Additionally, it shows your team that you care about their professional development and are invested in their success which goes a long way in building loyalty and engagement.
What challenges are you currently facing? How can I help?
Everyone faces challenges in their job, and it's important to know what your staff is struggling with. Whether it's a difficult client or coming up with new choreo, understanding your staff's challenges can help you provide support and resources to help them succeed.
What changes would you like to see in the studio?
Your staff is on the front lines of your gym, and they likely have ideas for improving the customer experience. Asking your team what changes they would like to see in the gym gives you insider information to make your studio stand out, and it shows your staff that you value their input. I used to have a running "staff wishlist" spreadsheet with props, themes, and events.
What activities would you like to do as a team?
Quarterly trainings and events keep your team connected, improving subbing behavior, retention, and job satisfaction. If they give ideas for events they'd like to participate in, they'll be more likely to attend.
What makes you feel appreciated? What are your teeshirt size and coffee order?
A coffee waiting on the desk after class won't make up for other lacking areas like low pay or a negative work environment, but it does delight and surprise your teachers and show them that their happiness matters to you.
Keeping your staff happy and engaged is critical to running a successful gym without burning out, and it's often the missing piece between surviving and thriving as a studio owner. Asking your staff these questions can help you understand their motivations, goals, and challenges while providing opportunities for growth and development. Most importantly, it shows your team that you care about their well-being and are invested in their success.
By fostering a positive work environment, you'll create a more productive, motivated, and loyal team that will help drive the success of your studio.
