Gwinnett County's 911 dispatchers are getting some on-the-job stress relief -- in the form of a workout.
The police department announced Wednesday that the director of its 911 communications center recently bought a pair of treadmills for workers to use while answering calls. According to the press release:
"The 911 center currently has a staff of 114 dispatchers that work 12 hours shifts, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. During those 12 hours, the communications officers are sitting at a desk answering 911 calls or dispatching calls for service. The atmosphere that communications operators function in is high paced and at times, highly stressful. Sitting for extended periods of time and managing the ups and downs of stress can have adverse health effects.
To combat those adverse health effects, the Communications Manager recently purchased 2 treadmills for the communications officers to use while handling 911 calls. These treadmills can be used with the current desk that raises and lowers to allow the communications officers to sit or stand. The goal is to improve employee health by reducing stress, promoting a healthy body weight, and lowering blood pressure. Research has shown that employees who exercise at work often exhibit better time management, mental performance, and mental ability."
Officials said 75 dispatchers have signed up to participate, and that 45 of them have agreed to signed up to document their health results over the next six months -- a program that includes monitoring weight, body mass, cholesterol and blood sugar. A fitness coach from the county's wellness program will oversee.
"Our hope is that other 911 centers across Georgia will see the benefit of this exciting program," police spokesman Cpl. Deon Washington said in the press release. "We are committed to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Gwinnett County and for our employees."
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