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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms or sports clubs, believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work. Other employers see no benefit in doing so.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1: [Opinion: Various other motivations and rewards, in combination with this initiative is required.]

Sound health plays an indispensable role in our life and work performance. That is why many employers seek ways to offer perks, such as gyms or sports clubs sponsorship, with a belief that healthier and happier employees will become more productive at work while many other employers simply do not invest in it. The essay will examine both sides, but I personally believe that various other motivations and rewards, in combination with this initiative, will bring effective results.

The proponent of gyms or sports club subsidies offered by employers believes that physical and mental wellness is a prerequisite for optimal work performance. It is evident that sportive people are less likely to get sick, take fewer sick leaves and hence bring the least disruptions to daily operations in their workplace. Furthermore, sport is a good way to build team spirit and promote interpersonal skills. Thus the harmonious professional relationship that results from workers hitting the gyms or playing sports will certainly facilitate work efficacy. Moreover, sports club sponsorship by companies will implicitly convey the message that employers care about the wellness of their employees. Perhaps, employees will pay extra effort at work if they are valued. For instance, some of my friends speak highly of their employers because they feel their office authority takes care of their well-being by offering the facility to hit the gym.

Conversely, the opponent of gyms or sports facility funding says that companies should focus on incentives that really matter to employees instead, namely job prospects, pay increments, job satisfaction, training opportunities, reasonable workloads and holidays. If employees’ performances are directly linked to their pay increments or career progression, they should have enough tangible rewards to work effectively. Likewise, if workers are able to identify meaningful goals or get job satisfaction, they should have intrinsic motivation to excel at work. To give an example, studies show that employees work more dedicatedly when they are motivated and are awarded rather than having facilities like gyms.

In conclusion, I believe that gyms or sports clubs membership offered by the office is one of many effective motivations for some employees to work efficiently at work. But for many others, monetary or other tangible or intangible rewards are more useful. It is expected that employers will provide a range of extrinsic and intrinsic motivators that will promote productivity at work.

[Written by - Vanessa]

Model Answer 2: [Opinion: This is a great initiative as a healthier crew of staff means more productivity and more revenue]

These days, some employers offer their employees the facilities to do exercise as they think that a healthier crew of staff means more productivity and more revenue for their business while others think that it brings no benefit to them. In this essay, I will discuss both views, but personally, I am in favour of the former view.

On an average, workers may spend up to three-quarters of their day sitting down on their desks to get their job done as best and fast as they can except, of course, they do not know that such “marathon attachment to their desks and chairs” can contribute to a range of preventable health conditions, like back injuries and stress, depression or anxiety. Now, this information alone should be enough of a reason for the employers to motivate their employees to get involved with some sort of physical or gym activities. But, in case, if it does not, then they should consider that according to a UK government report on May 8, 2018, published by its “Department for digital, culture, media & sports, in the year 2017, just over 1.3 million workers suffered from work-related ill-health, which equated to 25.7 million working days lost.

Of course, those, who do not care much about the health of their employees, suggest that health and fitness can not be spoon-fed. They are correct to some extent because our lifestyle is often a choice that we make. They also argue that if someone does not take any initiative on his or her own to improve his or her health, then the chances are that the initiatives on the part of a company would not also really make much of a difference.

In conclusion, the opponents of promoting better health for employees may have a point or two, but that does not necessarily mean that employers should not try to take some sort of initiative to make their employees healthier. And the sooner, the employers take such initiatives, the better will it fare for their businesses.

Model Answer 3: [Opinion: Such initiatives have great results when it comes to workers' health and performance]

Different employers hold varying views regarding whether providing their employees with subsidized memberships to gymnasiums or sports centres will have a favourable effect on the health and general work performance of their staff. In this essay, I will discuss both views. Personally, I think that such initiatives have great results when it comes to workers' health and performance.

Some business owners believe that offering subsidized memberships to gyms or sports clubs is not effective as it may not result in workers being healthier or more productive. For instance, some employees may already have their own fitness routine or may not be interested in joining a gymnasium. Additionally, some workers may lack the motivation to exercise even with subsidized membership. Therefore, such an initiative may end up being a waste of resources for the employer.

On the other hand, many believe that offering subsidized memberships to gyms or sports clubs is an excellent way to improve employees' health and work performance. Firstly, exercise has been shown to have numerous health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving mental clarity, and increasing overall well-being. This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity and a better work-life balance. Secondly, offering these benefits to employees demonstrates the employer's commitment to the well-being of their staff. This can foster a positive working relationship between employees and employers, resulting in increased loyalty and staff retention.

In conclusion, I support the view that offering subsidized memberships to gyms or sports clubs is an effective way to improve employees' health and work performance. Although some employers may argue against this approach, I believe that the benefits to the employees and the employer are profound.

Model Answer 4: [Opinion: The benefits of such an approach are often overstated]

Subsidized gym or sports club membership is often offered by employers as a way to improve the health of their staff, and as a result, their productivity. While some employers think it will transform their employees to be more healthy and productive, others tend to disagree. This essay explores both perspectives. However, in my opinion, the benefits of such gym membership are often overstated and bring no long-term benefits despite being costly.

On the one hand, many employees believe that offering subsidised membership to gyms and sports centres to their employees will encourage many of them to take part in physical activity and get inspired to lead a more active and healthy life. It is indeed true as data suggests that employees with such facilities use a gym more often than their counterparts and as a result perform better at work. This has a direct correlation with the productivity of employees and business growth.

On the other hand, others believe that while some employees may appreciate the opportunity to join a gym or sports club at a reduced cost, this approach may not work for everyone. For example, some staff members may feel uncomfortable exercising in front of their colleagues or may not have the time or inclination to participate in these activities. Additionally, some workers may have existing health conditions that make certain forms of exercise unsafe or difficult. Furthermore, while exercise is important for maintaining good health, it is not the only factor that affects productivity. The office could also consider other factors that may impact their staff's health, such as providing healthy food options in the workplace or encouraging good sleep habits.

In my opinion, employers should be cautious about offering funded fitness centre memberships. While some employees may benefit from these programs, they may not be suitable for everyone, and the costs associated with providing these programs may not always be justified. Employers should instead consider a holistic approach to promoting employee health and well-being that takes into account a range of factors, including physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and mental health.

In conclusion, while assisted sports centres and gymnasium membership may seem like a good way to improve employee health and productivity, the benefits of this approach may be overstated. Employers should consider other factors that may impact their staff's health and well-being, and take a holistic approach to promoting employee health in the workplace.

• IELTS Essay
• Writing Task 2
• Opinion Essay
• Discuss both views

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