Start Date
April 2026
Location
3rd floor - Library
Abstract
Purpose: A promising workplace policy intervention that may influence the physical activity (PA) involves providing subsidized or free fitness access. On October 28, 2024, Xavier University eliminated its $120 annual recreation center fee for employees. This study evaluated the policy’s impact on employee PA.
Methods: From January–March 2025, an anonymous Qualtrics survey was sent to individuals who had used the rec center since August 2024 and collected information on rec center PA frequency and duration, and perceptions of the policy. Member entry swipe data were obtained (August 2024 - April 2026). Repeated measures ANOVA compared outcomes before and after the policy among employees.
Results: A total of 78 responses were collected (faculty n=30, staff n=45, administration n=3. Before the policy, 77% of employees had access to another fitness facility. After free access, exercise frequency increased significantly across all employee groups (faculty: 1.5→2.5; staff: 1.2→2.2; administration: 1.0→2.3 days/week, p<0.001), with no differences between groups. Weekly exercise duration also rose significantly (faculty: 100→153; staff: 66→112; administration: 50→120 min/week, p<0.001), with faculty showing a greater increase than staff (p<0.036).
The proportion meeting PA guidelines increased (faculty: 30%→43.3%; staff: 20%→26.7%; administration: 0%→33.3%). Key motivators to use the campus rec center were cost savings, convenience, and increased opportunity. Employee use increased after free access from about 10 to about 20 daily swipes.
Conclusion: Removing financial barriers to on-campus fitness facilities appears to significantly enhance employee PA participation.
IMPACT OF FREE RECREATION CENTER MEMBERSHIPS ON XAVIER UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
3rd floor - Library
Purpose: A promising workplace policy intervention that may influence the physical activity (PA) involves providing subsidized or free fitness access. On October 28, 2024, Xavier University eliminated its $120 annual recreation center fee for employees. This study evaluated the policy’s impact on employee PA.
Methods: From January–March 2025, an anonymous Qualtrics survey was sent to individuals who had used the rec center since August 2024 and collected information on rec center PA frequency and duration, and perceptions of the policy. Member entry swipe data were obtained (August 2024 - April 2026). Repeated measures ANOVA compared outcomes before and after the policy among employees.
Results: A total of 78 responses were collected (faculty n=30, staff n=45, administration n=3. Before the policy, 77% of employees had access to another fitness facility. After free access, exercise frequency increased significantly across all employee groups (faculty: 1.5→2.5; staff: 1.2→2.2; administration: 1.0→2.3 days/week, p<0.001), with no differences between groups. Weekly exercise duration also rose significantly (faculty: 100→153; staff: 66→112; administration: 50→120 min/week, p<0.001), with faculty showing a greater increase than staff (p<0.036).
The proportion meeting PA guidelines increased (faculty: 30%→43.3%; staff: 20%→26.7%; administration: 0%→33.3%). Key motivators to use the campus rec center were cost savings, convenience, and increased opportunity. Employee use increased after free access from about 10 to about 20 daily swipes.
Conclusion: Removing financial barriers to on-campus fitness facilities appears to significantly enhance employee PA participation.
