As organizations pivoted to virtual fitness programs, they found employees eager to participate

During the long, hard months of pandemic, one bright spot has become clear: Organizations are learning to engage their people effectively through virtual communications, and in many cases, they’re even enhancing the employee experience and workplace culture.

In particular, virtual fitness programs have seen not just continued participation, but in some cases it even increased. Here’s a look at how four organizations migrated their fitness offerings to the virtual realm.

Best Buy creates a popular Facebook group

In mid-March, the electronics retail giant Best Buy had to shut down its 16,000-square-foot fitness center, The Wellness Zone, in Richfield, Minnesota. But its 1,400 corporate employees were working from home and still needed an outlet for exercise. The wellness team swung into action. It shifted Facebook page from an announcement hub into a full-fledged fitness resource.

The wellness team now shares live group exercise classes, educational articles, and fitness challenges via the social platform. It allows for support and engagement among employees. Best Buy also offers virtual personal training opportunities through Zoom and Microsoft Teams.