Fitness business owners are all too familiar with the struggle of staff turnover. Pile on the additional hurdles such as neglected prospects, and member attrition — not to mention the endless challenges that pop up daily — running a successful fitness business can feel like climbing a mountain. Addressing these issues requires strategic hiring and proactive management practices.
“But how and when do I look for the right employees? I’ve tried and never had success.”
With people on vacation, spending time with their families and more, utilize the typically slower summer period to focus on recruitment. Hiring individuals with relevant fitness sales experience is paramount and sets the stage for a successful fall season. Just as you wouldn’t entrust your finances to an unqualified relative, staffing your front desk with inexperienced personnel can hinder your business’ success.
“I hire employees but can’t seem to find the right ones.”
Furthermore, evaluate your gym’s leadership structure. As a gym owner, being consistently present is not always sustainable. Fine-tuning your client experience journey is of utmost importance and appointing a seasoned general manager is imperative. Some characteristics your general manager should have include:
- Customer-centric mindset.
- Proactive problem solving.
- Health and wellness passion.
- Self-motivation.
- Strong communication skills.
- Consistently reliable.
- Dependable and adaptable.
Strong leadership is foundational and without it, even the most talented employees may struggle to thrive.
“I hire great employees but can’t seem to keep them.”
Attrition rates, which are closely monitored for members, should also apply to employees. Gym owners give their members the best experience, so make it a goal to create a positive work environment to enhance staff retention and performance.
It’s June, carve out time now to do a deep dive into your staffing. Summer provides a great time to evaluate the following:
- Evaluation of staff and their responsibilities.
- Continuing education and additional training.
- Needs for additional policies and procedures.
- Is more staff needed?
- Clarity on goals and expectations.
As June unfolds, dedicate time to assess your staffing situation thoroughly. Identify what’s working well, areas needing improvement and any employees deserving recognition or guidance. Documenting these insights will aid in crafting a robust staffing plan, positioning your gym for revenue success in the upcoming fall season.
