New staff promotional structure

Fitness Zone, which has five clubs in the Home Counties, has has done away with the traditional heirarchy in order to reward its staff and make them feel that they keep progressing. The title of assistant manager has been scrapped, and now staff progress is measured with different stars and uniforms. New recruits are introduced at entry level for six weeks and are monitored for enthusiasm, motivation and determination. Next they move to bronze level and are assessed on their customer care skills. As they go through the higher NVQ grades they progress through silver and gold grades. Manager of the group, Pete Gregory, says the scheme has been welcomed by staff: 'Staff feels it puts their careers on a more professional footing. It has had a great impact on motivation and of course, adds to a healthier bank balance as moving up through the levels means they earn more.'