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No to proposed outsourcing of the World Bank's gym

No to proposed outsourcing of the World Bank's gym

681 signatures 69 to reach 750
G
Geethanjali J. signed
A
Adriana signed
G
Gernot B. signed
F
Farzin M. signed
M
Marie K. signed
J
Jyoti B. signed
S
Sarah B. signed
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Hanifa M. signed
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Someone signed
NM
Started by natalia magradze 12 years, 6 months ago

We understand that GSD Group of the World Bank is conducting an analysis of the cost effectiveness of managing the World Bank Fitness Center by in-house staff vs outsourcing it to an outside service provider. While on a surface it might emerge that outsourcing is a more cost effective option, we strongly feel that it would compromise the quality of the service the Fitness Center currently provides.

What separates the WB Fitness Center from other commercial gyms is the following:

- Diverse highly professional dedicated staff that genuinely care about its clients - World Bank Employees.They have an intimate understanding of the special needs of Bank staff (frequent travel, work life balance, etc) grown over the many years of building relationships with the members.

- Fitness Center offers over 70 classes a week during different times of the day. 70% of classes are taught by the World Bank volunteers, 25% of classes are taught by Fitness Center staff and only 5% of classes are taught by outside instructors. The fact that the volunteers and fitness staff teach 95 % of the classes is, not only a huge savings for the program, but is a critical part of its success. In fact, classes run very smoothly and almost never are cancelled.

- The quality of the classes is exceptionally high given the deep understanding of member needs, as volunteer instructors are supported by the knowledge-sharing and on-the-job training provided by the Fitness Center staff.

- Ability to be innovative and start initiatives that benefit the whole institution:Back to Life- Wellness Program for Cancer Patients and Survivors at theWB,Fit on the Trip-offersexercises that can be done while traveling,Healthy Heart-focusingon cardiovascular health ofWBemployees

- Safe friendly environment that takes into account cultural diversity. The fact that there has not been a single incident of reported harassment or discrimination in 20 years, speaks volumes.

- Small turn-over of Fitness staff which allows for continuity and really getting to know the clients and serving them in the most tailored and effective way.

-Lastly, the personal relationships of Fitness Center staff with volunteers and members has allowed them to create a community that is committed to each other in the spirit of a "family" which provides a daily sanctuary for many members.

We, the undersigned, appeal to Jim Kim, the President of the World Bank, to reconsider outsourcing of the World Bank's Fitness Center to the outside service provider and allow the current Fitness Center team to continue providing their excellent service to the World Bank's employees.

Updates

March 2, 2014

WE HIT 500 SIGNATURES AND THE ENERGY IS ABSOLUTELY ELECTRIC!! I AM TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY BY THE PASSION FOR OUR INCREDIBLE FITNESS CENTER STAFF!!

Reached 500 supporters

February 27, 2014

February 26, 2014

WE ARE TEARING TOWARD FIVE HUNDRED SIGNATURES AND NEED TO CRUSH THIS GOAL RIGHT NOW!! GET THIS LINK TO EVERY SINGLE COLLEAGUE BEFORE WE SUBMIT OUR DEMANDS!!

Reached 100 supporters

February 21, 2014

February 19, 2014

WE ARE ALMOST AT THE 100 SIGNATURE MARK AND THE MOMENTUM IS ABSOLUTELY ELECTRIC!! BLAST THIS LINK TO YOUR ENTIRE NETWORK RIGHT NOW SO WE CAN SMASH THROUGH THIS MILESTONE AND KEEP THE PRESSURE ON THE BANK!!

307 Comments

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Vinaya Swaroop
12 years ago Featured

We need to balance cost saving with maintaining service quality. The Bank gym's cosy and family-like environment has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars to the institution in reducing sick days and keeping staff healthy and productive. Don't break it!

T
Tanya Loftus
12 years ago Featured

This is a very diverse culture with trainers knowing the groups and individuals. They are in tune to our needs and have worked hard to entice females in particular, into a comfortable enviroment that allows them to build their fitness, in a safe cultural environment.

A
Amsale Gessesse
12 years ago Featured

it would jeopardize the quality of service the Fitness Center currently provides to its members. Let's support our friends - George, Mike, Mahdia, Dave, Arben, Carlos, Dosseh, Xiaolin, Radka, Abner, Maget, Jeff, Govianni, Sable

G
Gerhard Dieterle
12 years ago Featured

The Gym is a key asset for promoting health and work-life balnce at the Bank. The Team is dooing a fabulous job and should remain intact. i would be willing to pay a higher fee to keep these dedicated people in place. The Bank would be well advised to invest in this asset.

S
Stacy Jordan
12 years ago Featured

As a federal employee, I have been a member of many gyms staffed by contractors. The staff turnover is typically very high, while the knowledge and expertise are low. The World Bank Fitness should retain its stable, knowledgeable, compassionate staff for the benefit of all.

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mike goldberg
12 years ago Featured

I have used this gym to recover from TWO spinal surgeries suffered on missions and FOUR surgeries to repair the damage. Without this gym and its helpful, knowledgeable staff I would noit be able to work the 60+ hours this job demands.

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Geethanjali Jagannathan
12 years ago

The gym is a family like environment. Please don't break this closeness by bringing other commercial gym service.

M
Marie Khoury
12 years ago

Against outsourcing

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