The technology involved with public safety has changed dramatically in recent years. So has our understanding of how workplace design and practices can influence the performance of our dispatchers.

If you're reading this blog, chances are you're considering consolidating your call center into a modern, high-functioning PSAP. And it's also likely that you're finding the task somewhat daunting. Don't worry - you're not alone. There are many factors to be considered, from broad questions about your particular needs to the minute details involved in furniture choice and placement, but there's no need for you to plan your PSAP consolidation alone. 

1. Your Investment

Before you invest in all new dispatch center furniture, there are a few things you should know about the company you consider purchasing from. The furniture in your operations center most definitely deserves a lot of attention. After all, it is where your staff spends about a third of their lives while fulfilling a stressful role. 

With each new bundle of research released about ergonomics at the workplace, we all get a little closer to the ideal physical and mental experience. The tasks of work might not change—let’s face it, the 911 calls keep coming in and you aren’t going anywhere—but NOW your work no longer has to feel so much like…work.

Working as a public safety personnel is stressful due to the nature of the job. When the stress interferes with your health, daily performance, or your ability to manage and delegate tasks, then it is time to take action. Be introspective when dealing with stress. Stress management is the hallmark of a competent and reliable worker. Incorporating these four health tips can help reduce stress and boost your morale, allowing you to prosper as a public safety professional.

It's time to get healthy at work!

Almost a year ago, the Xybix team was strategizing about the future of work in a 24/7 environment. We have been talking with people from Call Takers up to Communication Directors to learn what they would change in their furniture to help them be more comfortable and productive. When reviewing the data, we found a new issue that had become a "hot topic" - meeting departmental health goals. 

What to expect from your treadmill desk: Q and A

Imagine you’ve taken the plunge. You’ve set up your dispatch center staff with treadmill or bike desks. They’ve all kicked the tires, so to speak, and texted the obligatory photos of their new equipment to family and friends. Everyone is genuinely excited.

But what’s the experience really going to be like?

The most obvious impact of a treadmill or bike desk is on the worker: increased caloric burn, energy, and mitigation of the worst effects of sitting still all day long. (See Xybix's previous blog post).

But let’s get down to brass tacks:
What about a 911 dispatch operation itself?

How would you like to share in a piece of that flu your co-worker had last week?  It sounds disgusting, but did you know that bacteria such as staph, or MRSA can survive on fabrics and surfaces for days and often even weeks?  That's right, weeks!  According to the Centers for Disease Control, the build-up of such bacteria on work surfaces leads to things such as illness and allergic reactions that can be difficult to treat.  Furthermore, bacteria if left unchecked can cause some other pretty serious problems in the workplace including odors, stains, and degradation of work surfaces.  Below are some key reasons why choosing antimicrobial work surfaces makes good business sense.  

When you think of the brand name "Coca Cola" chances are ergonomics isn't the first thing that comes to mind! You are more likely to think of popping a can of soda on a hot summer's day then the commitment the company has to healthy habits in its workforce. In reality, Coca Cola has been leading the way in ergonomics, with a corporate ergonomist on staff responsible for promoting healthy habits company wide, ergonomics is top-of-mind for the company.

The job of a 911 dispatcher challenges a person’s mental and emotional abilities. It is also a job that requires a person to remain sitting in a chair during most of their shift. This type of job provides only limited opportunities to stand up and move around. Because of this limitation, proper ergonomics for 911 dispatchers is essential.  Improper ergonomics can lead to both short and long term physical issues.