Data security at health clubs and leisure centres could be at risk because staff are using unofficial channels such as Facebook and WhatsApp to communicate work-related issues, according to a new survey.

Interviews with fitness sector workers, including duty managers, club bosses, head office staff, assistants and receptionists, found that more than two-thirds (69 percent) of employees are using social media sites or chat apps to communicate with their team on work matters.

“While management are adamant their companies don’t use Facebook or WhatsApp for staff communication, their employees clearly do, according to our research,” said Ross McCaw, founder and chief executive of communication platform Our People, which carried out the survey.

“While these group chats are set up with the best intentions, company data could be at risk if employees leave the company with full access to confidential information.”

More than four in 10 respondents said day-to-day communications with employees is a key challenge for the industry.

“From our research, it appears head offices are unaware of these practices going on at their sites, which leads to the question what other IT or operational procedures and policies are being ignored?” said McCaw.

“Terms and conditions for platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp say they should not be used for business purposes, meaning companies would be in deep water if an incident were to occur.”

McCaw advised operators to carry out an internal review to find out exactly how their staff are keeping in touch and to remind them of company policies.

The survey consisted of one-to-one telephone interviews with 65 people from across 53 health clubs and leisure centres in the UK.