Walmart Goes Big on Wellness with $225 Million Investment
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
The corporate wellness market, poised to grow from USD 58.68 billion in 2022 to USD 85.02 billion by 2030 according to Grandview Research, reflects a growing demand among skilled professionals for workplaces that prioritize health and well-being. Aligning with this trend, Walmart's Walton family has recently unveiled the Walton Family Whole Health and Fitness and Children’s Enrichment Center, a $225 million initiative as reported by the Northwest Arkansas-Democrat Gazette.
Located on Walmart's Bentonville campus, the Walton Family Whole Health and Fitness and Children’s Enrichment Center stands as an impressive 433,000-square-foot facility. Divided into two sections, it offers 360,000 square feet dedicated to fitness and a 73,000 square feet children's center, designed to serve not only the employees but also their families. This includes spouses and dependents up to 26 years old, making it a significant resource for approximately 30,000 community members.
Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the free-weight room, boxing studios, and treadmills, along with a functional training area and various class spaces including dance. For relaxation and recovery, the facility includes meditation rooms with massage chairs, serene gardens, and even a cryo blast chamber. Complementing these features are three swimming pools, courts for basketball, racquetball, squash, tennis, and pickleball, indoor tracks, and soccer areas. The commitment to holistic wellness is further emphasized by the inclusion of healthy dining options, takeaway dinners, and a nutrition kitchen offering cooking lessons.
The membership fees are designed to be affordable, with individual memberships at $12 and family memberships at $21, deducted bi-monthly from employees' paychecks. While some premium services like massages and dietitian consultations come at an additional cost, many essential services, including mental health coaching, are offered free of charge.
This shift towards prioritizing wellness in the workplace is setting a new standard in the corporate world, signalling a significant change in how companies and employees view the concept of work and well-being.
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