Workplace interventions for sedentary workers

There have been a number of studies that have looked at interventions including sit-stand desks, active workstations, active environments, and walking.

What this tells us is that better research is required. That does mean we can take what we know at the moment and apply it to our workplaces.

Limited impact of sit-stand desks to increase movement

Often these are seen as the solution to sedentary work but at the current time there is only limited evidence as to how well they can reduce sitting and increase movement.

While the research tells us that there is a reduction in sitting time (a range of 84-116 minutes) when the sit-stand desks are introduced, there has been no long-term follow up at this point.

Other factors measured include:

  • productivity – no reduced levels
  • psychological – improved mood states in some studies
  • musculoskeletal – reduced back pain self-reports but increased reports of lower limb pain
  • posture – improved back posture with guidance on standing well, increased wrist pain.

How the stand-sit desks are introduced also has an impact and it is important that a broad approach to introducing them into the workplace is taken. This includes:

  • education – increase knowledge within the workforce about the impact of prolonged sitting
  • persuasion – using targeted messaging to workers to highlight the importance of movement
  • modelling – support from senior managers and workplace ambassadors or champions
  • training – understanding neutral postures and ensuring ergonomic risks are managed.

It is important to note that standing at work all day also has health impacts. At the moment we don’t have a prescription to advise on time spent standing or sitting. However, stand-sit desks do not actually increase movement, but do encourage postural change.

Impact of active workstations needs more research

Active workstations are those where an individual uses a treadmill or a bicycle while working. While there is limited evidence on their effectiveness one study has suggested that they do not negatively impact on productivity.

When considering the Cochrane Systematic review on evidence of effectiveness, there is not enough research at the moment to show that they reduce sitting times in any significant way.

Active environments are designed to encourage movement

Active environments are those that are designed to encourage movement. They are designed to increase incidental movement that is, increasing the number of steps as you go about your work tasks.

This includes:

  • designing in central staircases
  • having shared eating spaces
  • providing centralised rubbish disposal
  • a variety of different workstation designs.

One study identified that in buildings with an open-floor plan and flexible space available light physical activity increased from 35 minutes per day to 57 minutes per day. Further research is needed to support this as workplace changes require investment.

Walking interventions can lead to an increase in movement

A number of different examples of increasing walking have been trialled in workplaces.

This has included:

  • walking meetings
  • walking during your breaks
  • testing whether more frequent short breaks— a few minutes each hour rather than two 15-minute breaks per day—impacts on health.

At the moment the research is inconclusive for any of these interventions and more research is needed.

However, any increase in movement should be a positive thing. There is an existing body of research that highlights that taking regular breaks during the working day helps to reduce fatigue and maintain productivity.