Pickleball Courts at Room and Board Company: Pickleball, the racquet sport that has captured the imagination of many, is making waves beyond traditional courts. Its rise in popularity is attributed to its simple, accessible nature and the stress-relief benefits it offers. Room & Board, a Minneapolis-based furniture retailer, has fully embraced this trend by installing a pickleball court on the first floor of its office building.
A Commitment to Employee Well-Being
Since introducing the pickleball court in 2013, Room & Board has been committed to fostering a happy and engaging work environment. According to Nancy Manley, Room & Board’s Chief People Officer,
“We don’t want people coming into the office and sitting on video calls all day … otherwise, what’s the point? Work should be fun.”
The company’s initiative reflects a broader trend where organizations are recognizing the importance of employee satisfaction and well-being.
The Pandemic’s Impact and Rising Popularity
The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a surge in pickleball’s popularity. The sport’s low-cost setup and engaging nature have made it a favorite among employees looking to de-stress.
“To have happy, healthy and productive employees, you need to give them the space and tools to take care of themselves. Pickleball is just another outlet for people to de-stress and sweat a little.” – (Manley)
Global Recognition and New Developments
In a notable development for the sport, Pickleball League Asia Private Limited, in partnership with The Times Group, launched the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) at a grand event in Dubai on July 24. The PWR aims to enhance sports governance and longevity by bringing together regional groups under a unified structure. The launch event was attended by notable figures such as Vineet Jain, MD of The Times Group and Chancellor of Bennett University, Pranav Kohli, CEO and Founder of PWR, and the world’s top pickleball players, including women’s world number 1 on the APP Tour, Megan Fudge DeHeart.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts at Room and Board Company
Room & Board, a Minneapolis furniture retailer, has installed a pickleball court on the first floor of its office to boost employee well-being. Since its introduction in 2013, the court has gained popularity, especially post-pandemic, due to the sport’s stress-relief benefits.
Nancy Manley, Room & Board’s Chief People Officer, emphasizes the importance of fun in the workplace. Meanwhile, Pickleball League Asia and The Times Group launched the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) in Dubai on July 24, aiming to unify regional groups and enhance sports governance.
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