(Lawrenceville, Georgia) The sedentary lifestyle is being referred to as the “New Smoking” and the Manager of the Gwinnett County Police 911 Communications Center is looking to empower employees to change their lifestyle while at work. 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.

A total of 75 communications officers have signed up to participate in the treadmill program. Out of the 75 communications officers, 45 have agreed to participate in a program that documents individual health results from using the treadmills over the next 6 months. A fitness coach with Gwinnett County’s Wellness Program will help to oversee the program. This program will include monitoring a daily step count, treadmill usage, and biometric screenings. The biometric screening will test weight, body mass, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

We highly anticipate the program showing that exercising improves the lifestyle and productivity of our communications officers. Our hope is that other 911 centers across Georgia will see the benefit of this exciting program. We are committed to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Gwinnett County and for our employees.