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. 2023 Spring;8(2):e000225.
doi: 10.1249/tjx.0000000000000225. Epub 2023 Feb 10.

Associations of physical and social workplace characteristics with movement behaviors at work

Anthony J Holmes  1 , Tyler D Quinn  2 , Molly B Conroy  3 , Joshua L Paley  1 , Kimberly A Huber  1 , Bethany Barone Gibbs  1   2
Affiliations

Associations of physical and social workplace characteristics with movement behaviors at work

Anthony J Holmes et al. Transl J Am Coll Sports Med. 2023 Spring.

Abstract

Introduction/purpose: Sedentary behavior (SB) is common in desk-based work and prolonged periods of SB are associated with negative health outcomes. This study assessed associations between workplace characteristics and setting and movement patterns during working hours.

Methods: This secondary analysis used baseline data from the Reducing Sedentary Behavior to Decrease Blood Pressure (RESET BP) clinical trial which enrolled inactive, desk-based workers with elevated blood pressure (n=271; mean age: 45.3±11.6 years; body mass index (BMI): 30.66±7.1 kg/m2; 59.4% women). Physical and social workplace characteristics were assessed by a study-developed questionnaire and the Office Environment and Sitting Scale (OFFESS). Participants also wore an activPAL activity monitor for 7 days and reported working hours in a diary to measure SB and physical activity (PA) specifically while working. Linear regression was used to analyze cross-sectional associations between workplace characteristics and SB and PA. A stratified analysis was also conducted to assess associations among home-based and in-office desk workers separately. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, BMI, and work wear time.

Results: Participants spent 77% of working hours in SB. Public vs. private offices, working in-office vs. at home, higher local connectivity, and greater overall connectedness were associated with lower SB and/or greater PA (all p<0.05). Higher frequency of face-to-face interactions, and greater visibility and proximity to co-workers was associated with less SB and more PA (all p<0.05). For example, home-based workers had more total SB (+17.2±8.4 mins/day), more SB bouts ≥30 mins (+39.1±12.8 mins/day), and less steps (695±201 steps/day) than in-office employees. Stratification by office setting revealed differences in associations between SB and PA and workplace characteristics.

Conclusions: More public, open spaces with more social interactions and physical walkways could improve SB and PA patterns during work. Home-based workers had more SB, less PA, and unique associations of these activities with workplace characteristics, suggesting a need for tailored interventions.

Keywords: Physical activity; occupational health; remote work; sedentary behavior; work environment.

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