Coworking operators are adding fitness facilities to their spaces as a way to stand out in a hybrid-work market changed by the pandemic. Chains like Monday Río in Madrid, The Address in India, and The Ministry in London now pair flexible office space with gyms, fitness classes, and wellness amenities, according to JLL.
Office occupancy has changed sharply since the pandemic, pushing coworking providers to compete harder for tenants. Industry research cited by JLL found nearly a third of companies now use flexible office space, and over 40% plan to increase that investment as they try to shrink real estate costs while still offering employees perks. The flexible office market itself is projected to nearly triple, from roughly $35 billion in 2023 to almost $97 billion by 2030.
What Workers Want: Fitness Baked Into the Workday
Surveys point to a workforce that increasingly ranks quality of life above pay. JLL data shows most workers now prioritize work-life balance over salary, and remote employees are more likely than office-based ones to exercise during work hours. With hybrid workers averaging just over three office days a week, on-site gyms offer added convenience by cutting out separate trips to a fitness club.
Employers have a business incentive too. A study in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management linked daytime exercise to better mood, focus, and stress resilience rather than midday fatigue. Separately, U.S. coworking chain Life Time reported that frequent gym users among its members needed emergency or clinical care far less often than those who didn’t work out regularly.
Industry voices frame office gyms as part of a larger talent strategy, particularly for attracting younger employees who expect wellness perks as standard. Supporters argue the amenity does double duty: boosting morale and retention while helping justify the return on investment in physical office space.
