Myntra has taken a unique step in promoting employee wellness by launching an in-house Pickleball court at its corporate office in Bengaluru.
This initiative highlights the company’s commitment to fostering a healthier and more engaging workplace environment.
With this move, Myntra is encouraging its employees to embrace an active lifestyle while also enhancing camaraderie within the workforce. The Pickleball court, a first of its kind among corporate offices in Bengaluru, is designed to provide employees and their families with an avenue for recreation and fitness.
The court was inaugurated during a special event attended by badminton champion and Commonwealth Games medallist Ashwini Ponnappa. Her presence added to the enthusiasm surrounding the launch, inspiring employees to take up the sport.
Myntra’s focus on integrating sports with work culture aligns with its efforts to create a vibrant and engaging workplace.
Pickleball has seen a rapid rise in popularity worldwide, especially between 2019 and 2022. According to market research, the sport is expected to grow at a significant rate in India, with projections estimating over 26 per cent CAGR from 2024 to 2029.
The game is known for its simplicity, social nature, and competitive spirit, making it a favourite among young professionals, particularly Millennials and Gen Z.
At Myntra, where one in three employees belongs to Gen Z, the introduction of Pickleball aligns with the company’s employee engagement strategy.
The sport offers a perfect balance of fitness and fun, allowing employees to relax and bond in a dynamic setting. Unlike other office spaces that may have Pickleball courts, Myntra’s facility is unique as it is fully owned and accessible to employees, their friends, and family members throughout the week.
Govindraj MK, Chief Human Resources Officer at Myntra, emphasised that this initiative is part of the company’s broader mission to create an employee-first workspace. He highlighted that Pickleball’s popularity among younger professionals makes it a fitting addition to the company’s wellness initiatives.
The fast-paced nature of the sport provides an excellent way for employees to unwind while also setting a new benchmark for corporate wellness in India.
Ashwini Ponnappa, who attended the inauguration, praised Myntra’s approach to integrating wellness into corporate life. She noted that an active lifestyle is crucial for overall well-being, and introducing Pickleball is a great way to encourage employees to stay fit.
She also acknowledged Myntra’s role in supporting the growth of the sport in India.
Beyond Pickleball, Myntra offers a range of sporting facilities at its corporate office, including a lawn tennis court, gym, indoor gaming arena, table tennis, and access to a cricket practice net and an indoor badminton court.
The addition of Pickleball further strengthens Myntra’s dedication to employee wellness and engagement.
Rajath Kankar MR, Founder General Secretary of the Karnataka State Pickleball Association, lauded Myntra for investing in the sport. He noted that Pickleball is witnessing significant growth in India, and Myntra’s initiative is a pioneering effort in corporate wellness.
By being the first company to provide an in-house Pickleball facility, Myntra is contributing to the development of the sport in Bengaluru and beyond.