Sports, recreational facilities at office raise performance

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Going to sport centers after working long hours at the office may not appeal to everyone in the city, especially if they have to endure the rush hour traffic.

But recognizing that physical activities can boost employees’ performance, some companies have set up their own sport facilities, allowing workers to exercise immediately after, or even before, working hours.

Every morning and afternoon, employees of consumer goods company Unilever Indonesia rush to the top floor of the building to work out some muscles.

“They can use all the gym equipment here, from treadmills to dumbbells. They can also join our yoga, aerobic, step, body combat and other classes,” said Graceliea, the company’s medical advisor.

The view from the company’s fitness center that was built in 2001, gives the place a refreshing ambience, Graceliea said.

From the 14th and a half floor, employees can exercise while looking over the city lights and busy streets of Jl. Gatot Subroto, South Jakarta.

The sport center is complete with sauna room and sport massage service.

“Those who feel tired or tense, can call our health center and ask to have back and neck massage. I always suggest they try a sport massage first if they have a headache before I prescribe medicines,”
she said.

Graceliea said that from medical side, employees who work out are healthier and have more energy that could be useful during overtime or continuing their work at home.

“But what’s more important, is there will be more social interactions here; good communications that can help in their work,” she said.

It has become a worldwide trend to provide interesting office perks with Google as the frontrunner. Google has been named the best workplace this year by Fortune (at fourth place last year) for its perks that include outdoor sports facility, games room and free food.

Another company that supports various physical activities of their employees is telecommunication company Telkomsel.

Although it does not have its own sports facility, the company provides various classes in a training room located in its headquarters on Jl. Gatot Subroto.

Atika Noviani, 24, said that she joined a cardio class at the office a year ago.

For one hour every Tuesday and Thursday, she looks forward to burning some fat while waiting for the traffic rush to ease.

“I’m so happy that my office provides something like this. It helps me save money and time,” she said, adding that her exercise routine had helped her achieve her ideal weight.

Malinda, the cardio class coordinator at Telkomsel, said that the class was organized and funded by the company’s sport and culture division to help maintain employees’ wellbeing.

“From year to year, the graphic of participants of cardio class, and probably other classes too, are always increasing,” she said.

Besides indoor classes, she said that the company also had several sport clubs, including a diving club.

It’s not only sport facilities that help the mood of the employees. The unique design of an office completed with recreational room is also a secret to create a dynamic working environment.

The new office of Indonesian online community Kaskus allows employees to play some games or just lounge in its games room to relieve stress.

“We usually gather in the room in the afternoon. Some play Nintendo, some play cards, or just gossip with one another. I always come here too when I feel stuck with my work,” said Devi Apriani, Kaskus public relations officer.

The all-glass games room is located in the middle of 11th floor of Menara Palma on Jl. HR Rasuna Said, South Jakarta. The owners wanted to create a fun work station so employees can generate their
best work.

Devi also said that the games room was often turned into a meeting room to change some dull mood.

“With fun being the theme and a more open work space, we feel that we’re closer than in our previous office,” she said.

Studies have revealed that quick snooze can increase brain power, drive employees into creative states and make them more energetic. Quick naps can also boost immune systems that will lead to fewer sick days.

However, not all offices provide such privileges for their employees, due, among other factors, to financial constraints.