Healthier and more active employees generally take fewer sick days, feel more energetic, and are better able to concentrate during the workday. The CDC states that workplace health programs supporting physical activity can help increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, boost employee morale, and aid in employee retention (CDC: Employers and workplace physical activity).
This means that gym equipment for the office is not just a “nice-to-have” bonus. A properly planned office gym can support employee well-being, improve the employer’s image, and help create a more active work culture.
Key Points
- An office gym helps support employee health, as regular physical activity reduces risks associated with sedentary work.
- Workplace fitness equipment can improve productivity, especially if employees can take short 20–30-minute exercise breaks.
- The investment only pays off if employees actually use it — therefore, it is important to choose the right equipment, location, and usage logic.
- A small office gym can be established in as little as 25–40 m², if the space is well-planned.
- The best office gym is not the largest, but the most practical: cardio machines, free weights, exercise benches, and simple functional tools.
- It is important for the company to measure results: sick days, employee satisfaction, usage frequency, and employee retention.
Why should a company invest in an office gym at all?
Office work means long hours of sitting for many people. Lack of movement can lead to back and neck pain, fatigue, stress, and a general lack of energy. WHO physical activity guidelines emphasize that adults should engage in at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week (WHO physical activity guidelines).
From a workplace perspective, the problem is simple: if a person sits for a large part of the day and doesn't make it to the gym after work, the necessary physical activity often goes undone. An office gym or fitness corner makes physical activity more accessible because employees don't have to drive to a separate gym.
If an employee is often tired, stressed, or constantly working with low energy, the quality of work also decreases. A workplace fitness opportunity gives people the chance to move during the workday, improve their mood, and regain focus.
Simple idea: workplace fitness equipment doesn't have to mean a large, luxurious gym. Even a small, well-equipped fitness area can provide employees with the opportunity to move regularly.
The real cost of sick days to a company
Before assessing the profitability of an office gym, it is important to understand how much employee sick days cost the company. Each day absent usually means lost work time, project delays, and increased workload for colleagues.
If the cost of one employee's absent workday is, for example, 150–200 euros and the employee is absent 7–9 days a year, this can mean a direct cost of approximately 1050–1800 euros per year per employee. The exact number depends, of course, on salary costs, the nature of the work, and how much work can be postponed.
In addition to direct costs, there are also indirect costs:
- project delays;
- need for substitute employees or additional staff;
- overload of colleagues;
- lower team spirit and motivation;
- slowing down of knowledge and information flow.
The impact of workplace health programs is not always easy to quantify with a single number. A systematic review of workplace interventions found that such programs can improve work ability, productivity, and absenteeism rates, but the results depend strongly on the quality of the intervention, employee engagement, and program duration (systematic review on workplace interventions).
Tip for business leaders: look at sick day statistics for the last 12–24 months. Calculate the average number of sick days per employee and multiply it by labor costs. This will give a more realistic picture of how much health problems cost the company.
ROI of an office gym: how to assess profitability?
The profitability or ROI of an office gym should not be judged solely by how many people actually exercise every day. The impact of workplace fitness opportunities can manifest in several ways: fewer sick days, better concentration, less stress, improved employer image, and stronger employee retention.
However, it must be honest: no gym works automatically. If the space is inconvenient, the equipment does not meet the needs of employees, or the usage rules are not thought through, usage may remain low. A review in BMJ Occupational & Environmental Medicine highlighted that the impact of workplace physical activity programs on productivity can be inconsistent, and high participation and a sufficiently intense program are important (BMJ: onsite workplace physical activity programmes).
The profitability of an office gym can be assessed through four main indicators:
| Metric | What to monitor? | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|
| Sick days | Average number of sick days per employee | Fewer absences mean fewer work stoppages |
| Productivity | Energy level, work speed, concentration | Better well-being can increase work quality |
| Employee retention | Voluntary turnover and satisfaction | A good work environment helps retain people |
| Usage activity | Number of employees regularly using the fitness area | ROI depends on whether the solution is actually used |
If a company invests, for example, 10,000–50,000 euros in setting up an office gym, the return on investment will not come only from direct financial savings. A very large part of the value comes from improved employee work ability, lower stress, and a stronger employer brand.
Want to assess which office gym would suit your company? Trenniekspert can help plan an office gym for both smaller offices and larger companies – from equipment selection to space solutions and installation.
How much does it cost to set up an office gym?
The cost of an office gym depends on the space, the number of employees, the quality of the equipment, and whether you want a simple fitness corner or a full-service gym. If you are still planning equipment selection, you should also read Trenniekspert's guide on how to choose the best gym equipment in 2025.
For a smaller office with 10–20 employees, a practical solution might include:
- 1–3 cardio machines;
- adjustable dumbbells or a fixed dumbbell set;
- exercise benches;
- rubber mats or specialized gym flooring;
- stretching and recovery tools;
- mirrors, ventilation, and storage solutions if needed.
Recommended investment for a company with 10–20 employees
| Category | Approximate Investment | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Cardio Machines | 1000–5000 € | Treadmills, bikes, elliptical trainers |
| Strength Training Equipment | 2000–10000 € | Dumbbells, benches, kettlebells, multi-functional equipment |
| Flooring and Mirrors | 500–2000 € | Safety, sound dampening, and improved user experience |
| Ventilation and Space Solution | 2000–5000€ | Air quality, comfort, and safety |
| Installation and Consultation | 1000–2000 € | Planning, transport, installation, and initial guidance |
Tip: don't start with an overly complex solution. It's sensible to begin with basic equipment and expand the gym after 3–6 months once you see what employees actually use.
What equipment should be chosen for an office gym?
The best office gym is one that employees actually use. Therefore, it's not worth choosing only the most powerful or expensive equipment, but rather solutions that suit people with different fitness levels.
1. Cardio Machines
Cardio machines are well-suited for an office gym because they are easy to use even for beginners. A treadmill, walking pad, exercise bike, or elliptical trainer allows for a short workout before the workday, during lunch break, or after work.
- A treadmill or walking pad is suitable for walking, running, and an active workday. See, for example, the selection of walking pads.
- An exercise bike is a joint-friendly option and well-suited for beginners. See the selection of exercise bikes.
- An elliptical trainer works the whole body and is suitable for lower-intensity workouts. See the selection of elliptical trainers.
2. Dumbbells and Free Weights
Dumbbells are one of the most versatile choices for any gym. In an office gym, both adjustable dumbbells and a smaller set of fixed dumbbells can work well.
If space is limited, adjustable dumbbells are a good fit. If there are more users and the training area is larger, a fixed dumbbell set may be more convenient and durable.
Recommendation: In an office with 10–20 employees, you can start with 1–2 pairs of adjustable dumbbells or a small set of fixed dumbbells, for example, in the 2.5–25 kg range.
3. Exercise Benches
An adjustable exercise bench makes the use of dumbbells much more versatile. It can be used for chest presses, shoulder presses, dumbbell rows, abdominal exercises, and much more.
For an office gym, choose a strong and stable bench that is suitable for users of different heights and weights. If the bench is unstable or too weak, the sense of security and usage activity will decrease.
4. Functional Training Equipment
Functional training equipment takes up little space but offers many possibilities. These are well-suited for offices where not all employees want to use large strength training machines.
- kettlebells;
- exercise mats;
- resistance bands;
- medicine balls;
- foam rollers;
- balance pads.
If you want to complement your office gym with smaller but practical tools, also check out the selection of gym accessories and training equipment.
How much space does an office gym need?
A practical office gym doesn't have to be very large. A well-planned training area can function effectively on approximately 25–40 m².
It's important that the space has enough room for movement, good ventilation, and safe flooring. If equipment is placed too tightly, user comfort decreases and the risk of injury increases.
| Space | What can fit? | Suitable company |
|---|---|---|
| 10–15 m² | Small fitness corner: dumbbells, mat, resistance bands | Small office or startup |
| 25–40 m² | Cardio machines, dumbbells, bench, functional area | Company with 10–30 employees |
| 50+ m² | Fuller gym with multiple training zones | Larger company or business center |
How to make office gym usage active?
The profitability of an office gym largely depends on whether employees actually use it. Simply buying equipment is not enough. A good location, simple rules, and a solution suitable for employees are needed.
The CDC's guide to physical activity in the workplace emphasizes that a successful program starts with creating a culture of health: management support, clear rules, and the ability to integrate physical activity into the workday are more important than just purchasing equipment (CDC Physical Activity in the Workplace guide).
Ask employees before purchasing equipment
Before investing, it is worth conducting a short anonymous survey. Ask when employees would like to train, what equipment they would use, and what currently prevents them from being active.
- Do they prefer cardio equipment or strength training?
- Do they train more before work, at lunch, or after the workday?
- Do they want guided workouts?
- What are the main obstacles to physical activity?
Start small and expand later
A good solution is to start with basic equipment and monitor usage during the first 3 months. Once it's clear which equipment is used most, the training area can be expanded more intentionally.
Practical recommendation: start with 2–3 cardio machines, dumbbells, an adjustable bench, and exercise mats. This covers the needs of most users without overloading space and budget.
Maintenance and running costs
When setting up an office gym, maintenance must also be considered. Equipment needs regular inspection, cleaning, and occasional replacement of parts.
As a general rule of thumb, annual maintenance costs should be approximately 8–12% of the initial equipment cost. For example, for a 60,000-euro investment, the running cost could be around 4800–7200 euros per year.
Running costs include:
- technical maintenance of equipment;
- cleaning and disinfecting supplies;
- maintenance of flooring and mats;
- minor repairs;
- trainer or instructor services if needed.
If you want to extend the life of your equipment, also read Trenniekspert's guide on how to care for gym equipment.
Tip: maintenance is not a place to cut corners. Poorly maintained equipment reduces usage activity and can shorten the lifespan of the equipment.
Office gym planning checklist
Before purchasing equipment, go through the following questions:
- How many employees will potentially use the gym?
- How much space is available for the gym?
- Is there adequate ventilation in the room?
- Does the floor need protective mats or special gym flooring?
- What types of workouts do employees prefer?
- Is the goal rather health, productivity, employer brand, or all at once?
- Is a washing or changing facility needed?
- Who is responsible for maintenance and rules of use?
Planning a gym or training corner for your company? A fitness expert can help you choose equipment, plan the space, and develop a solution based on the number of employees, budget, and available area. Learn more: office gym solutions for businesses.
Summary: An office gym is an investment, not just an extra convenience
An office gym might seem like a large expense at first glance, but when planned correctly, it can improve employee well-being, reduce health-related absences, and strengthen the company's employer brand.
The most important thing is not to buy as much equipment as possible, but to choose equipment that employees will actually use. A good office gym is accessible, simple, safe, and suitable for people of different fitness levels.
If your company wants to invest in employee health and create a practical training opportunity at the workplace, it's worth starting with mapping out the space, needs, and budget.
Final recommendation: start with a simple and well-thought-out solution. If employees embrace the office gym, you can later supplement it more precisely according to their needs.
FAQ
Is it worth setting up an office gym for a small company?
Yes, but the solution must match the size of the company. A small company doesn't need a full gym. Often, a training corner with dumbbells, exercise mats, resistance bands, and one cardio machine is sufficient.
How big should an office gym be?
A small training corner can function in an area of just 10–15 m². A more versatile office gym needs about 25–40 m². For larger companies, a 50+ m² solution is suitable, where separate cardio, strength, and stretching areas can be created.
Which equipment is best suited for an office gym?
The most practical choices are cardio machines, dumbbells, adjustable exercise benches, exercise mats, resistance bands, and functional training equipment. For an office, it's worth choosing equipment that both beginners and more experienced trainees can use.
Does an office gym help reduce sick days?
Regular exercise supports overall health, helps reduce stress, and can improve work performance. Therefore, a well-used office gym can help reduce health-related absences, but the results depend on usage activity and the company's overall work culture.
How much does it cost to set up an office gym?
The cost depends on the size of the space and the level of equipment. A smaller training corner can be significantly cheaper, while a complete solution for a company with 10–20 employees might cost approximately 40,000–80,000 euros, including equipment, flooring, installation, and space planning.
Is it better to buy equipment all at once or in stages?
It is usually more sensible to start in stages. First, choose basic equipment, monitor usage for 3–6 months, and then add equipment according to what employees actually use.
Is office gym maintenance expensive?
Maintenance costs depend on the amount of equipment and usage activity. As a general estimate, annual maintenance could be budgeted at approximately 8–12% of the initial cost of the equipment. Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of the equipment and maintain a good user experience.
How can employees be encouraged to use the office gym?
The best way to help is to involve employees in the planning stage. Ask for their preferences, choose easy-to-use equipment, keep the training area clean and accessible, and establish clear rules of use.
Sources used
- World Health Organization. Guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour.
- CDC. Employers: Active People, Healthy Nation.
- CDC. Physical Activity in the Workplace: A Guide for Employers.
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Workplace interventions, absenteeism, productivity and work ability.
- BMJ Occupational & Environmental Medicine. Onsite workplace physical activity programmes and productivity.
- Trenniekspert.ee. Office gym solutions for businesses.
- Trenniekspert.ee. How to care for gym equipment.
- Trenniekspert.ee. How to choose the best gym equipment in 2025.
