The great debate of hiring an independent contractor versus an employee is as varied as buying a car versus leasing. While contract employees can be less expensive to have on the books and don’t require company-paid health insurance, the club has less control over their performance.
Lake Naomi Club, in Pocono Pines, Pa., prefers contract employees.
“Our fitness professionals are contracted, as they are working at various other facilities at the same time,” said Kelly Swingle, Community Center Manager. “Being a private country club, this works well for us.”
Hunter’s Green Country Club, in Tampa, Fla., goes almost in the exact other direction. With the exception of the kickboxing and karate instructor, who is a contract employee, all fitness professionals are employed by the club.
“They have to pass strict and stringent background checks and personality tests,” says Allegra Campos, Tennis and Athletics Director. “We can’t afford to have somebody who does not know how to deal with members. They need to understand that’s why we’re here.”
Paradise Valley Country Club, in Phoenix, Ariz. employs a mix of full-time, part-time and contract employees. Christine Harbaugh, Sports Director, says she has no worries about her contract employees.
“The trainers are very professional,” she says. “They take just as much ownership and pride as employees of the club.”
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