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200 seconds has revealed extensive flaws in the working environment at the Nordic Wellness gym chain.
It includes public berating, sexism and unfair working conditions.
Here is a summary of the disclosure.
1. 29 employees testify about misconduct
Nordic Wellness has more than 300 facilities in Sweden and over half a million members.
Now 29 employees are testifying about difficult working conditions, including abusive discrimination, dominance techniques, sexism and harassment.
– One of the managers said to the receptionist: “It would have been good if you were a little nicer when you stand and talk” and “are you going to have a salary or not?”, says a source.
2. Had to fire receptionist: “Too fat”
“Sara,” a former site manager, tells of being scolded several times for misplacing dumbbells.
– The stress of someone coming and “putting you down” means that in the end you don’t settle, and just break down.
One recounts being tasked with firing a receptionist because she was considered “too fat.”
– I was pissed off. That was the day I started crying at work.
3. Training profiles react
Several big fitness profiles have reacted to the revelation – and think it’s time the gym industry began to be scrutinized.
– It’s a billion-dollar industry, and people feel like crap in it, says Thomas Skoglund, personal trainer and health profiler.
They express concern about unacceptable working conditions, sexism and a culture that promotes ideals of beauty and weight. They demand changes in the industry with a focus on mental health and fair working conditions.
4. The union investigates the gym chain
The union is investigating several cases against Nordic Wellness.
In addition, the union has investigated whether sexual harassment is ongoing at the company.
– Out of consideration for those affected, we are not in a position to comment on individual cases, says Josefin G Nilsson, press manager at Unionen.
5. The CEO’s answer: They are no longer working
Magnus Wilhelmsson, Nordic Wellness founder and CEO, says he takes the claims seriously.
In a message on the company’s intranet, they claim that the people affected by the program are no longer working.
“We are aware of what has happened and have taken a number of measures to prevent similar behavior from occurring again. The people who are singled out in the program also no longer work for the company.”