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Science & Medicine

Stance fits the workout into the workplace

Stance is a designer sock company in San Clemente. And the way Chief Executive Jeff Kearl sees it, creativity is the key to the company's success in the competitive retail marketplace. He and the company's co-founder set out to create a workspace that would feed his employees' creative energy. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at that endeavor. The difference is clear, right at the front door. There are no suits and ties, no stodgy cubicles. Employees are encouraged to dress in whatever manner suits the duties for the day. Here, product designer Dillon Boyes works on a prototype display.

Stance is a designer sock company in San Clemente. And the way Chief Executive Jeff Kearl sees it, creativity is the key to the company’s success in the competitive retail marketplace. He and the company’s co-founder set out to create a workspace that would feed his employees’ creative energy. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at that endeavor. The difference is clear, right at the front door. There are no suits and ties, no stodgy cubicles. Employees are encouraged to dress in whatever manner suits the duties for the day. Here, product designer Dillon Boyes works on a prototype display.   (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

It’s not just the big tech companies that are paying attention to employee health; smaller companies are getting in on the act too. Upscale sock company Stance is just one example of a company adding healthy diversions to its workplace.

A creative office space for a creative company

Kearl said the 4-year-old company has spent more than $100,000 to enhance the warehouse-based office. Amenities include game tables, a basketball court, a trampoline, a skateboarding area and showers. A gym and personal trainers are coming. In the background, you can see the office kitchen. The company employs a personal chef to prepare healthful breakfast and lunch offerings.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

A creative office space for a creative company

Employees are encouraged to take breaks and get in a workout -- even hit the nearby beach -- and come back to work refreshed and re-energized. It might be hard to believe, Kearl said, but there is “zero” abuse in the 35-employee company. In fact, he said, employees overcompensate for the perks by being especially diligent about putting in the work hours needed to get the job done.   (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

A creative office space for a creative company

A healthy employee, Kearl said, is full of energy, productivity -- and creativity. “When you have a job that requires a tremendous amount of focus, sometimes the best thing you can do is take a break and get away from the computer,” he said. “Yes, this is a benefit to the employees. But it’s also a benefit to us.” Here, employees get in some hoop time in the middle of the work day.   (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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A creative office space for a creative company

Kearl said he is often faced with doubters, who wonder how any work can get done in a place like Stance. “The proof is in the pudding. We have extraordinary results. A healthy employee is going to perform way better.”  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

A creative office space for a creative company

“Businesses are wired to want a ‘returnable investment,’” Kearl said. And investing in the health of your employees is “intangible. It’s fuzzy math.” But Kearl said he is absolutely convinced that Stance’s success is linked with the creative, healthful environment. As an example, he cited the decision to provide nutritious food and snacks on the premises. (Here, Kelly King, director of women’s marketing, munches on an apple while working at her desk.) “Really, the benefit is to us. They’re healthier, and they spend less time going out to eat.”  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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