AUGUST 10 LETTERS write to reply
Do you have a strong opinion or disagree with somebody else’s views on the industry? If so, we’d love to hear from you – email:
healthclub@leisuremedia.com
leaders needed for workplace activity initiatives We read with interest the article about corporate outreach (HCM July 10, p68). The issue of employee health and wellbeing isn’t just important to the individuals concerned; it also makes sound business sense. For every £1 spent on corporate wellbeing programmes, the return to businesses is estimated to be £3 due to improved productivity and reduced absenteeism. However, as the article highlights, it can
be difficult for exercise professionals to engage company employees in activity and then sustain their interest. Finding the right people to do this is half the battle. With this in mind, Central YMCA has
Are hardworking freelancers being adequately rewarded for their efforts?
freelance instructors: need to recognise differing standards
I was interested to read your recent feature about managing external instructors (HCM June, p24). As a freelance instructor for the last 16 years, I find our treatment in the workplace can be very disheartening. I never phone in sick, I take one
week’s holiday every six months and I organise my own cover – even down to paying them myself, both to avoid over-payment and to guarantee the instructor is looked after, as this means my customers will also be looked after and able to continue with their class. I’m a member of REPs, I always work bank holidays and I try to cover other classes I can teach whenever asked. I believe in loyalty, professionalism, CPD training, presentation, and keeping things safe and fun, and my classes are packed week in, week out.
6 But do centres appreciate or reward
this sort of positive approach? No. All instructors are treated the same – even those who take lots of time off, cancel at the last minute and never bother to arrange cover. I don’t want to be seen to be patting myself on the back, but I do believe a good personal attitude is vital, and I’d like to see this recognised and rewarded. Yet as a freelancer, you’re not even seen as part of the team – not so much as a parking permit! I’d also like to see more recognition of
the role of group exercise instructors in general. The focus is always on PT and the revenue this can bring in, but if you have full classes, you build loyalty among 30 customers an hour, paying £40 a month. We need more credit and appreciation.
angela freelance instructor
Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital
Central YMCA: New workplace health initiative launched in London
august 2010 © cybertrek 2010
launched an unprecedented workplace health initiative, initially working with 17 small to medium-sized companies across London. The project works by training a small number of company employees to become Workplace Activators, responsible for motivating, supporting and coaching their less active colleagues to get fitter – evidence from the YMCA Activate England project suggests it is peers, not professionals, who are more likely to support colleagues in changing their behaviour. Each activator receives training in skills such as communications, building rapport and empathy. This 12-month scheme, being evaluated
by the University of Westminster, can provide a relatively low-cost, sustainable model to smaller businesses. robin gargrave director of innovation & development, central ymca
AUGUST 2010
© ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ANDRES R
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