Net Gains: How Pickleball is Redefining Workplace Fun at Room & Board
At Room & Board, a Minneapolis-based furniture retailer, the sport of Pickleball has become a part of the work culture, offering employees like Liz Martin a much-anticipated break from the routine. The company, which boasts an indoor pickleball court, allows its employees to challenge their colleagues to friendly matches, turning every other Tuesday at noon into an hour of active engagement. The initiative, which began in 2013, has seen a surge in popularity over the last two years, aligning well with the broader rise of Pickleball amid the pandemic. The sport, a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has become a favorite, with at least 50 of the 350 employees at the headquarters engaging in the game weekly.
The incorporation of Pickleball into the workday at Room & Board goes beyond just fun and games. It’s a wellness initiative that encourages physical activity and serves as a social catalyst, helping employees like Debbie Hutson, a compensation manager, build stronger relationships with colleagues outside her direct team. The flexibility to use the court at any time around the work hours adds to the allure, promoting a culture of health, camaraderie, and a break from the monotony of digital meetings. The organizational support extends to providing necessary equipment like paddles and balls, making the sport easily accessible to everyone.
The ripple effects of this unique workplace initiative are notable. Employees, including Martin, attest to feeling sharper and more productive after spending time on the pickleball court. The occasional echoes of laughter or groans from a missed shot reverberating through the halls serve as a testament to the lively and positive atmosphere the sport has fostered within the company. Room & Board’s innovative approach in blending work with play not only positions it as a desirable place to work but also underscores the potential of unconventional wellness initiatives in cultivating a healthy, happy, and engaged workforce.
