Four years ago, Laura Hamel walked into her office at U.S. Masters Swimming in Sarasota, Fla. She has not stopped walking since.
After researching the negative effects of remaining sedentary during the workday, Hamel, communications and publications director for USMS, installed a treadmill desk in her office to walk on while working. She now walks up to 15 miles in a 10-hour workday.
In the four years since Hamel first introduced the idea to the USMS office, each of the 12 full-time employees at USMS has embraced a more active work setting. Three colleagues now work at treadmill desks; the remainder work at stand-up podium desks.
“We’ve embraced that philosophy of becoming active and moving around,” said Rob Butcher, executive director of USMS. “If this is the only opportunity you have to do so, we want to provide that avenue for you.”
The treadmill and stand-up desks are not mandatory, and employees still have the option to sit down at a traditional desk. However, running shoes are just as common as work shoes in the office.
“Employee morale is very high because of it,” Butcher said. “They appreciate having a company that supports them in this initiative if that’s what they want to do.”
Photos by U.S. Masters Swimming