Planet Fitness says ethical and responsible business practices are an important part of how the company operates. Its Global Human Rights Policy explains the standards Planet Fitness expects across its corporate operations, employees, vendors, contractors, consultants, agents, suppliers and other business partners.
The policy covers important topics such as diversity and inclusion, discrimination, workplace harassment, wages, working hours, employee safety, child labor, forced labor, human trafficking, environmental responsibility and reporting suspected violations.
Planet Fitness states that its Human Rights Policy is aligned with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The policy is overseen by the company’s Board and implemented by its Executive Leadership Team.
Planet Fitness Human Rights Policy Overview
| Policy Area | Planet Fitness Commitment |
|---|---|
| Ethical business practices | Conducting business responsibly and ethically |
| Diversity and inclusion | Creating an environment where people feel respected and included |
| Equal opportunity | Making employment decisions based on qualifications, skills and performance |
| Harassment prevention | Prohibiting intimidating, offensive or hostile workplace conduct |
| Fair wages and hours | Following applicable wage, overtime, benefit and working-hour laws |
| Child labor prevention | Requiring vendors to comply with minimum-age laws and labor standards |
| Forced labor prevention | Prohibiting coerced labor, prison labor and abusive treatment |
| Workplace safety | Managing health and safety risks and reducing workplace incidents |
| Vendor responsibility | Requiring suppliers and contractors to follow the Vendor Code of Conduct |
| Sustainability | Reducing environmental impact and supporting a healthier planet |
| Reporting concerns | Providing ways to report suspected policy violations |
What Is the Planet Fitness Human Rights Policy?
The Planet Fitness Human Rights Policy outlines the company’s expectations regarding the treatment of employees, contractors, vendors and other people connected to its business operations.
The policy applies to:
- Planet Fitness corporate offices
- Corporate-owned clubs
- Leased clubs
- Clubs managed directly by Planet Fitness
- Planet Fitness team members
- Vendors and suppliers operating within the company’s value chain
- Contractors, consultants and agents
- Business partners working with Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness also says it is committed to working with franchisees and others in its value chain to encourage respect for human rights within their own operations.
Oversight and Responsibility
Planet Fitness states that its Global Human Rights Policy is overseen by its Board and implemented by the company’s Executive Leadership Team.
This structure is intended to place responsibility for human rights expectations at senior levels of the organization.
The policy applies to Planet Fitness team members and business areas that fall within the company’s operational control.
Planet Fitness reserves the right to amend or update the policy when necessary.
Alignment With International Human Rights Principles
Planet Fitness says its policy was prepared in alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
These principles encourage companies to:
- Respect internationally recognized human rights
- Identify potential human rights risks
- Prevent or reduce negative impacts
- Address concerns connected to business activities
- Provide appropriate reporting and accountability processes
By referencing these principles, Planet Fitness establishes a broader framework for responsible business practices across its operations and supply chain.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness describes itself as more than a neighborhood fitness center. Its well-known Judgement Free Zone® concept represents the company’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment.
The company’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals include:
- Celebrating and supporting diversity
- Increasing access to fitness and wellness
- Creating a place where people feel they belong
- Supporting employees from different backgrounds
- Encouraging inclusive practices among franchisees
- Serving diverse communities
Planet Fitness says its Judgement Free Zone® philosophy influences not only the member experience inside its clubs but also its relationships with employees, franchisees and local communities.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Planet Fitness states that it is an equal opportunity employer.
According to the policy, employment decisions should be based on factors such as:
- Qualifications
- Skills
- Job performance
- Professional experience
The company says employment decisions should not be based on legally protected characteristics, including:
- Race
- National origin
- Ancestry
- Color
- Religion
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Gender
- Gender identity
- Age
- Disability
- Other characteristics protected by applicable law
This standard is intended to help create a fair and respectful workplace.
Discrimination and Harassment Policy
Planet Fitness says employees and business partners should feel valued and respected for their contributions.
The company does not tolerate harassment that creates an intimidating, offensive or hostile work environment.
Prohibited conduct may include unwelcome:
- Verbal behavior
- Visual behavior
- Physical conduct
- Threatening conduct
- Offensive workplace treatment
- Other inappropriate actions that create a hostile environment
This expectation applies to workplace interactions involving employees and relevant business partners.
Planet Fitness’s policy emphasizes that every person should be treated with dignity and respect.
Planet Fitness Global Vendor Code of Conduct
Planet Fitness has also developed a Global Vendor Code of Conduct.
The Vendor Code explains the company’s expectations for third parties that directly or indirectly provide products or services to Planet Fitness.
These parties may include:
- Vendors
- Contractors
- Consultants
- Agents
- Suppliers
- Other third-party business partners
The Vendor Code addresses areas such as:
- Business integrity
- Labor practices
- Employee health and safety
- Environmental management
- Legal compliance
- Ethical workplace conduct
Planet Fitness expects vendors to follow the Vendor Code in addition to other relevant company policies and standards.
Fair Wages, Working Hours and Employee Benefits
Planet Fitness says it complies with applicable legal and regulatory requirements related to employment.
The policy states that working conditions should be consistent with applicable laws and recognized industry standards.
This includes requirements involving:
- Minimum wages
- Overtime compensation
- Working hours
- Other forms of compensation
- Legally required employee benefits
Vendors are also expected to comply with employment laws in the countries and communities where they operate.
The policy does not establish one universal wage or schedule for every location. Instead, it requires compliance with applicable legal and regulatory standards.
Child Labor Standards
Planet Fitness requires vendors to follow the minimum employment-age limits established by national laws and regulations.
Vendors are also expected to comply with relevant standards established by the International Labour Organization.
The policy states that children must not be permitted to perform work that:
- Exposes them to serious physical risks
- Harms their physical development
- Harms their mental or emotional development
- Improperly interferes with their education
- Prevents them from meeting their schooling needs
These requirements are intended to prevent unsafe or exploitative child labor within the company’s supply chain.
Forced Labor and Human Trafficking
Planet Fitness says vendors must maintain and promote fundamental human rights.
Employment must be based on free choice.
The policy prohibits:
- Coerced labor
- Forced labor
- Prison labor
- Physical punishment
- Threats of violence
- Sexual abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Other abusive methods of discipline or control
Planet Fitness’s policy makes clear that workers should not be forced to work through threats, punishment or coercion.
These standards also support the company’s efforts to prevent human trafficking and exploitation within its business relationships.
Workplace Health and Safety
Planet Fitness and its vendors are expected to proactively manage workplace health and safety risks.
The goal is to reduce incidents such as:
- Occupational injuries
- Workplace illnesses
- Unsafe working conditions
- Fire-related risks
- Environmental emergencies
- Medical emergencies
Vendors are expected to implement appropriate management systems and controls that identify workplace hazards, assess risk and reduce dangers connected to their industries.
Required Workplace Safety Conditions
According to the policy, vendors should provide workers with basic health and safety protections.
These protections include:
- Potable drinking water
- Adequate restroom facilities
- Accessible fire exits
- Essential fire-safety equipment
- Emergency first-aid kits
- Access to environmental emergency response
- Access to fire emergency response
- Access to medical emergency response
These requirements help establish minimum safety expectations for vendors and suppliers.
Environmental Sustainability
Planet Fitness connects environmental responsibility with its broader mission to improve people’s lives and contribute to a healthier world.
The company recognizes that protecting human health also requires reducing negative environmental impacts.
Its sustainability priorities include:
- Reducing environmental impacts
- Supporting healthier communities
- Protecting the health of the planet
- Encouraging responsible environmental management
- Including environmental expectations in vendor relationships
Planet Fitness directs readers seeking additional information to its PF Purpose materials and Environmental Policy.
Stakeholder Engagement
Planet Fitness says stakeholder feedback plays an important role in shaping its initiatives, policies and public reporting.
Stakeholders may include:
- Employees
- Members
- Vendors
- Franchisees
- Contractors
- Business partners
- Investors
- Community organizations
- Other interested parties
The company welcomes ongoing engagement regarding human rights and other environmental, social and governance matters.
This engagement can help Planet Fitness understand concerns, identify potential risks and improve its policies.
How to Report a Suspected Human Rights Violation
Planet Fitness allows team members, vendor employees and contractors to report suspected violations of the Human Rights Policy.
Reports may be made to the Planet Fitness Office of the General Counsel using the following contact details:
Phone: 1-603-750-0001
Email: ESG@pfhq.com
A report may involve concerns relating to:
- Workplace harassment
- Discrimination
- Forced labor
- Child labor
- Human trafficking
- Unsafe working conditions
- Vendor misconduct
- Wage or working-hour concerns
- Other suspected violations of the policy
Anyone making a report should provide clear and accurate information when possible.
Useful details may include:
- The name of the business or location involved
- The date and time of the incident
- A description of what occurred
- Names of individuals involved
- Available supporting documents
- Relevant photographs or communications
- Names of potential witnesses
People should avoid including unnecessary sensitive personal information when submitting a report.
Scope of the Planet Fitness Human Rights Policy
The Human Rights Policy directly applies to:
- Planet Fitness corporate offices
- Corporate-owned clubs
- Leased clubs
- Clubs managed by Planet Fitness
The company also expects its vendors and business partners to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Planet Fitness states that it will work with franchisees and others in its value chain to support human rights in their own operations.
Because many Planet Fitness clubs are independently owned and operated by franchisees, the exact application of corporate policies may depend on the business relationship and operational control involved.
Why the Planet Fitness Human Rights Policy Matters
A human rights policy helps a company establish expectations for how workers, vendors and business partners should be treated.
For a large fitness brand, these expectations can affect:
- Corporate employees
- Club employees
- Contractors
- Equipment suppliers
- Cleaning-service providers
- Construction companies
- Technology vendors
- Product suppliers
- Franchisees
- Local communities
The policy provides a common framework for ethical conduct, legal compliance and responsible business relationships.
It also gives stakeholders a way to understand Planet Fitness’s position on labor rights, inclusion, safety and environmental responsibility.
Planet Fitness Human Rights Commitments at a Glance
Planet Fitness’s Human Rights Policy can be summarized through several core commitments:
Respect and dignity
Employees and business partners should be treated fairly and respectfully.
Inclusion
The company promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and a sense of belonging.
Equal opportunity
Employment decisions should be based on qualifications, skills, performance and experience.
Safe working conditions
Planet Fitness and its vendors are expected to identify hazards and reduce workplace health and safety risks.
Fair employment practices
Wages, hours, overtime and benefits should comply with applicable laws.
No forced or child labor
Employment must be freely chosen, and vendors must comply with minimum-age requirements.
Responsible vendors
Suppliers, contractors and other business partners are expected to follow the company’s Vendor Code.
Environmental responsibility
Planet Fitness aims to reduce its environmental impacts and support a healthier planet.
Accountability
Employees, vendor workers and contractors can report suspected violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Planet Fitness Human Rights Policy?
It is a company policy describing Planet Fitness’s expectations regarding ethical business practices, workplace equality, labor rights, employee safety, vendor conduct, sustainability and reporting suspected violations.
Who oversees the Planet Fitness Human Rights Policy?
Planet Fitness states that the policy is overseen by its Board and implemented by its Executive Leadership Team.
Who must follow the policy?
The policy applies to Planet Fitness team members and business operations under the company’s operational control. Vendors and business partners are also expected to follow applicable laws, regulations and relevant company standards.
Does the policy apply to franchise locations?
The policy directly applies to corporate offices and corporate-owned, leased and managed clubs. Planet Fitness also says it works with franchisees and others in its value chain to support human rights.
What does Planet Fitness say about diversity?
Planet Fitness says its Judgement Free Zone® reflects its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The company aims to create an environment where people feel welcome and included.
Does Planet Fitness prohibit discrimination?
Yes. Planet Fitness says employment decisions should be based on qualifications, skills, performance and experience rather than characteristics protected by law.
Does Planet Fitness prohibit workplace harassment?
Yes. The policy says unwelcome conduct that creates an intimidating, offensive or hostile workplace will not be tolerated.
What is the Planet Fitness Vendor Code of Conduct?
The Global Vendor Code of Conduct explains Planet Fitness’s expectations for vendors, contractors, consultants, agents and suppliers in areas such as labor practices, business integrity, workplace safety and environmental management.
Does Planet Fitness prohibit forced labor?
Yes. Vendors may not use coerced labor, prison labor, threats of violence, physical punishment or abusive treatment as a form of control.
What does the policy say about child labor?
Vendors must comply with applicable minimum-age laws and relevant International Labour Organization standards. Children must not perform unsafe work or work that interferes with their education and development.
What workplace safety standards are required?
Vendors are expected to identify hazards, assess risks and provide protections such as safe drinking water, restrooms, fire exits, emergency equipment, first-aid supplies and access to emergency response.
What does Planet Fitness say about wages?
Planet Fitness says working hours, wages, overtime and legally required benefits should comply with applicable laws and industry standards.
Does Planet Fitness address sustainability?
Yes. The company says reducing environmental impacts is part of its goal to improve lives and create a healthier world.
How can someone report a suspected violation?
Team members, vendor employees and contractors may contact the Planet Fitness Office of the General Counsel at 1-603-750-0001 or ESG@pfhq.com.
Can Planet Fitness change its Human Rights Policy?
Yes. Planet Fitness reserves the right to amend or update the policy at any time.
Final Thoughts
The Planet Fitness Human Rights Policy outlines the company’s expectations for ethical conduct, diversity, equal employment, safe working conditions, fair labor standards and responsible vendor relationships.
The policy prohibits discrimination, harassment, forced labor, unsafe child labor and abusive workplace treatment. It also requires vendors to follow applicable wage, working-hour, health and safety standards.
Planet Fitness connects these responsibilities to its Judgement Free Zone® philosophy and its goal of creating an environment where people feel respected and included.
Employees, vendor workers and contractors who suspect a violation may contact the Planet Fitness Office of the General Counsel at 1-603-750-0001 or ESG@pfhq.com.
Disclaimer: This article is an informational summary of the Planet Fitness Human Rights Policy and should not replace the complete official policy. Planet Fitness may amend or update its policies at any time.