One of Lowestoft's biggest employers has converted spare work space into a badminton court so staff can play their favourite sport at lunchtime.

Eastern Daily Press: Staff at Hoseasons HQ in Lowestoft now have a badminton court facility installed at the head office. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Staff at Hoseasons HQ in Lowestoft now have a badminton court facility installed at the head office. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Hoseasons marked out the court at one end of Sunway House after staff suggested it would be a great way to stay fit and for the company to demonstrate its commitment to workplace wellbeing.

'We want to become an employer of choice,' said Hoseasons head of human resources Matt Smith. 'You do that by offering something a little different. It's all about attracting talent and retaining staff.'

The company, which employs 300 people, already has two table tennis tables set up in the office, runs a fresh fruit Friday initiative to encourage healthy eating and also has a number of other exercise orientated programmes on the go.

The badminton court was launched in conjunction with Hoseasons' parent company Wyndham Worldwide celebrating Wyndham BeWell Week.

The initiative is aimed at ensuring that employee wellbeing is front of mind for managers across the business.

'About three months ago a staff member had suggested we start a work badminton club, which we did,' said Mr Smith. 'About 20 people are now playing and it's quite competitive.'

Matches were initially played at Waterlane Leisure Centre, until someone else suggested setting up a court at the Raglan Road HQ.

'We have loads of space,' said Mr Smith of the building which was once a shoe factory. 'We're quite fortunate because of that and are open to looking at other sports.'

After suitable space was found in the building, the court was marked out and a net set up.

'We supply all the equipment and the idea is that the court can be booked through reception,' he said. 'There are also changing facilities available.

'This court will give people the opportunity to play at lunchtime or after work and also introduce new employees to the sport.'

Hoseasons website administrator and regular badminton player Tony Lumley said it was a 'great idea'.

'It opens the sport to other people and I'll certainly be making use of the court,' he said. 'It's good to work for a company that invests in its staff.'