However, when I started to do some research about Nike's new location I found many other companies that also had very cool, exercise encouraging spaces. These companies realize the importance of exercise and their employees well being. Perhaps they have even read the numerous studies indicating that mingling work and fitness can boost productivity, aid in collaboration, and improve ones overall mood.
The businesses that follow are just a few that go above and beyond. They believe in a workplace that considers its employees' health, happiness, and work life of major importance. They also have an understanding that this is a vital part of the success of their business.
1-800-LAW-FIRM has their headquarters in Southfield, Michigan. It is designed for interaction and collaboration. The work space reflects their "forward-thinking, out-of the box approach. Instead of a hallway, they have a walking track where you can stretch your legs or have “walking meetings” with your colleagues." Ari Kresch, Founder and CEO of 1-800-LAW-FIRM said, “We wanted an environment that kept our team energized, healthy, productive, creative and connected, and a space that visitors were eager to spend time in.”
Google: In addition to a really great gym Google headquarters offers "on-site physicians and ready to assist nurses, medical services, and comprehensive health coverage to help keep you healthy and happy." They also have a gym that offers yoga, pilates and other classes.
Rodale: Although you may not recognize their name, they are probably my favorite of the companies I am listing because they blend my love of reading and exercise. They publish all kinds of exercise and wellness books and magazines. Some of the magazine titles that you might be familiar with are Women's Health, Runner's World and Bicycling. In addition to the great materials that they publish they have an entire training center for their employees called the Rodale Energy Center. It features full weight machines, cardio, spin classes and more.
SAS: With a commitment to overall health, SAS provides stress-reduction workshops and classes, unlimited sick leave, three weeks of paid vacation, free healthy-living seminars, and a recreational and fitness center with access to yoga and massage studios.
Zappos: Known for their quick shoe delivery and free returns, they encourage employee fitness with a fully equipped gym complete state of the art machines, as well as numerous recreational areas throughout their campus. Their headquarters are in the former City of Las Vegas Hall Complex, in a space that was once a jail. Although I think this is a slightly odd decor to encourage exercise, they incorporated a jail theme into their Fitness Center. They reused the jail bars preserved from the original jail and incorporated additional elements such as jail house rules, a pay phone and jump suits.
There are many other companies that I haven't listed who also encourage exercise while on the job. I found numerous articles on the subject. Here is a link to one of them: 44 Healthiest Companies to Work for in America
Oh, and by the way, a lot of these companies had job openings!
