Gwinnett 911 operators work, work out

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Callers will never know the difference, but operators on the other end of the line at Gwinnett County 911 could be walking while they work.

The communications center added two treadmill desks March 1 in an effort to help employees lead healthier lives.

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"I do my best every time I'm on a phones position, I come back here as much as possible," said Heather Cassele, a Gwinnett communications officer.

The mother of five returned from maternity leave at the beginning of the year and hopes spending time on the treadmill will help her meet her post-baby weight loss goal.

"Just having a baby, time is of the essence for me and being able to implement this into my daily routine working is just an incredible gift," Cassele explained.

911 operators work 12-hour shifts and before the treadmills, were sitting for much of that time.  New research shows prolonged sitting can have extremely negative health effects including increased risk of cancer.

Besides the health benefits, working out at work can also increase employee focus and performance.

"I have noticed that the energy exertion that I have when I get home--I'm not as exhausted," said Cassele. "So, I get to spend some more time with my children and that extra ten minutes reading them a story or playing with them has been an incredible gift."

45 Gwinnett 911 employees who signed up to use the treadmills will track their health progress over the next six months.