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Lynn Salzar T, Aguilar KN, Smith ML, Pickens A, Han G, Anderson G, Benden ME. Stand-Capable Workstations Reduce Occupational Sedentary Time Among Administrative Workers. IISE Trans Occup Ergon Hum Factors 2024; 12:162-174. [PMID: 38884772 DOI: 10.1080/24725838.2024.2362720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSIn this study, we found that workers who use stand-biased desks stood more and sat less during their workday compared to workers who use traditional desks. Stand-biased users also experienced significantly less lower back discomfort compared to both traditional and sit-stand workstation users. Based on these findings, we recommend that the use of stand-biased workstations be considered when designing or renovating work office workspaces. The health risks of sedentary behavior are inherent in most office work, but these risks can be alleviated with intentional equipment choices. Using stand-biased desks can encourage workers to move more throughout the workday without their productivity or comfort being disturbed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kaysey N Aguilar
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Matthew Lee Smith
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Adam Pickens
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Gang Han
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Grace Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Mark E Benden
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Zerguine H, Johnston V, Goode AD, Healy GN. Pilot implementation and evaluation of the Sit-Stand e-Guide: an e-training program on the use of sit-stand workstations. ERGONOMICS 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38775683 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2024.2354379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024]
Abstract
The 'Sit-Stand e-Guide' e-training program, designed to promote appropriate use of sit-stand workstations (SSWs), was evaluated for usability, acceptability and impact on various outcomes among SSW users. Participants from a large municipal organisation (25% male; mean age 45 [SD = 10.6] years) completed questionnaires pre-training (T0, n = 57), immediately post-training (T1, n = 50), and four weeks (T2, n = 46: primary endpoint) and twelve months later (T3, n = 30). High usability, acceptability and usefulness scores were reported at T1. Median [IQR] knowledge (4.4/5 [0.9]) and confidence (4.6/5 [1.0]) significantly increased at T1 compared to baseline (2.8 [1.2]; 3.3 [1.4]) and maintained at T2 and T3. At T2, mean [SD] sitting time (5.3 [1.2] h/workday) and low back discomfort (2.4 [2.3]) significantly decreased compared to baseline (6.1 [1.3] h; 3.4 [2.5] discomfort), SSW usage increased (1.4 [1.4]-2.8 [1.7] transitions), with no significant changes in work performance. Some behavioural changes were sustained at T3. The Sit-Stand e-Guide was acceptable and effective; evaluation across diverse workplaces and workers is now needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haroun Zerguine
- SafeWork SA, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Venerina Johnston
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Australia
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Darling Heights, Australia
| | - Ana D Goode
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Genevieve N Healy
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Zerguine H, Healy GN, Goode AD, Abbott A, Johnston V. Co-design and development of the sit-stand e-guide: An e-training program for the optimal use of sit-stand workstations. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2024; 116:104207. [PMID: 38128399 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the co-design and development process of an evidence-informed e-training program (Sit-Stand e-Guide) to support the safe and optimal use of sit-stand workstations from ergonomics and behavioural change perspectives. Using an instructional system design process, supported by a participatory design approach, data was collected through three workshops with workplace consumers (staff [n = 5] and managers [n = 5]), and subject matter experts (n = 5). Content and learning activities were developed based on behaviour change principles and optimal pedagogy. Key topics identified for the e-training were sedentary behaviour and health; workstation set-up; and strategies for behaviour change. Learning activities (scenarios and reflection) to enhance knowledge retention and skills implementation and an interactive one-page guide on completion were included in the e-training. The relevance and usefulness of the training prototype were reviewed through one-to-one think-aloud sessions with the workshop consumers (n = 5) and external health and safety professionals (n = 5) receiving positive feedback. The Sit-Stand e-Guide is readily available for workplace implementation and evaluation. This paper serves as a practical guide for future training development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haroun Zerguine
- The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Genevieve N Healy
- The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ana D Goode
- The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alison Abbott
- Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, Office of Industrial Relations, Queensland Government, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Venerina Johnston
- The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; University of Southern Queensland, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Ipswich, QLD, Australia
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Wang H, Yu D, Zeng Y, Zhou T, Wang W, Liu X, Pei Z, Yu Y, Wang C, Deng Y, Cheshmehzangi A. Quantifying the impacts of posture changes on office worker productivity: an exploratory study using effective computer interactions as a real-time indicator. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2198. [PMID: 37940902 PMCID: PMC10631143 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17100-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Working in a standing posture is considered to improve musculoskeletal comfort and can help enhance office workers' performance in the long term. However, there is a lack of a quantitative, real-time measure that reflects on whether office workers can immediately become more concentrated and work more efficiently when they switch to a standing posture. METHODS To tackle this problem, this study proposed that the number of effective computer interactions could be used as a real-time indicator to measure the productivity of office workers whose work is primarily computer-based. Using this metric, we conducted an exploratory study to investigate the correlation between posture and productivity changes at a 10-minute resolution for eight participants. RESULTS The study found that when allowed to use sit-stand desks to adjust postures, participants chose to switch to standing posture for about 47 min on average once a day; standing work was most frequent between 2:30 - 4:00 pm, followed by 10:30 - 11:30 am, during which time the number of computer interactions also became higher, showing a significant positive correlation. In addition, participants were approximately 6.5% more productive than when they could only work in a sitting posture. CONCLUSION This study revealed that posture changes could have an immediate improvement in productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- China Academy of Building Research (CABR), 30 North Third East Road, Beijing, 100013, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Building Technology, 30 North Third East Road, Beijing, 100013, China
- Buro Happold Asia, No. 39 East 3rd Ring Road, Beijing, 100022, China
| | - Diran Yu
- The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London (UCL), London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Yu Zeng
- China Academy of Building Research (CABR), 30 North Third East Road, Beijing, 100013, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Building Technology, 30 North Third East Road, Beijing, 100013, China
| | - Tongyu Zhou
- Department of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, 199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo, 315100, China.
| | - Weixiang Wang
- China Academy of Building Research (CABR), 30 North Third East Road, Beijing, 100013, China
- Buro Happold Asia, No. 39 East 3rd Ring Road, Beijing, 100022, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- China Academy of Building Research (CABR), 30 North Third East Road, Beijing, 100013, China
| | - Zhichao Pei
- China Academy of Building Research (CABR), 30 North Third East Road, Beijing, 100013, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Building Technology, 30 North Third East Road, Beijing, 100013, China
| | - Yumeng Yu
- China Academy of Building Research (CABR), 30 North Third East Road, Beijing, 100013, China
- Department of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, 199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Chaoju Wang
- Department of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, 199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Yingqi Deng
- China Academy of Building Research (CABR), 30 North Third East Road, Beijing, 100013, China
| | - Ali Cheshmehzangi
- College of Architecture, Qingdao City University (QCU), 79 Tieqishan Road, Qingdao, 266106, China
- Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS), Hiroshima University, A601-(3), 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8530, Japan
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Hadgraft N, Winkler E, Goode AD, Gunning L, Dunstan DW, Owen N, Sugiyama T, Healy GN. How supportive are workplace environments for sitting less and moving more? A descriptive study of Australian workplaces participating in the BeUpstanding program. Prev Med Rep 2022; 24:101616. [PMID: 34976672 PMCID: PMC8684026 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Workplaces varied in the number of activity-supportive characteristics present. Spatial characteristics were more common than resource or policy characteristics. Characteristics absent in most workplaces were likely to be modifiable or low cost (“easy wins”). Almost all workplaces had some room for improvement in terms of activity-supportive factors.
Desk-based workers are highly sedentary; this has been identified as an emerging work health and safety issue. To reduce workplace sitting time and promote physical activity it is important to understand what factors are already present within workplaces to inform future interventions. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of supportive environmental factors, prior to workplaces taking part in a ‘sit less, move more’ initiative (BeUpstanding). Participants were 291 Australian-based workplace champions (representing 230 organisations) who unlocked the BeUpstanding program’s online toolkit between September 2017 and mid-November 2020, and who completed surveys relating to champion characteristics, organisation and workplace characteristics, and the availability of environmental factors to support sitting less and moving more. Factors were characterized using descriptive statistics and compared across key sectors and factor categories (spatial; resources/initiatives; policy/cultural) using mixed logistic regression models. Of the 42 factors measured, only 11 were present in > 50% of workplaces. Spatial design factors were more likely to be present than resources/initiatives or policy/cultural factors. Centralised printers were the most commonly reported attribute (94%), while prompts to encourage stair use were the least common (4%). Most workplace factors with < 50% prevalence were modifiable and/or were considered modifiable with low cost. Organisations that were public sector, not small/medium, not regional/remote, and not blue-collar had higher odds of having supportive factors than their counterparts; however, workplaces varied considerably in the number of factors present. These findings can assist with developing and targeting initiatives and promoting feasible strategies for desk-based workers to sit less and move more.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyssa Hadgraft
- Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.,Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Winkler
- The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ana D Goode
- The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - David W Dunstan
- Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Neville Owen
- Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.,Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Takemi Sugiyama
- Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.,Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Genevieve N Healy
- The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Brisbane, Australia.,Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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Zerguine H, Goode AD, Abbott A, Johnston V, Healy GN. Factors impacting workplace investment in sit-stand workstations from the perspective of purchasing decision-makers. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 98:103558. [PMID: 34411850 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This explanatory sequential mixed-method study explored the factors associated with the investment (or not) in sit-stand workstations (SSWs) and alternative initiatives to reduce prolonged sitting at work from the perspective of furniture purchasing decision-makers in Australian workplaces. Participants (n = 270) from >200 organisations across 19 industry sectors completed an online survey. Seven interviews were conducted in a sub-sample of participants from organisations without SSWs. The majority (80%) of workplaces reported having invested in SSWs. Workplaces without SSWs, opposed to those with SSWs, were more likely to be private (79.6% vs. 43.5%), of small/medium size (70.4% vs. 35.6%) and without a wellness program (57.4% vs. 22.2%) (all p < 0.05). Financial implications were the main reason for not investing in SSWs. Exercise and stretch breaks were alternative initiatives to reducing sedentary behaviour at work. Better evidence on the return on investment is needed to support purchasing decisions on SSWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haroun Zerguine
- The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Ana D Goode
- The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Alison Abbott
- Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, Office of Industrial Relations, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Venerina Johnston
- The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Genevieve N Healy
- The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
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Voordt TVD, Jensen PA. The impact of healthy workplaces on employee satisfaction, productivity and costs. JOURNAL OF CORPORATE REAL ESTATE 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jcre-03-2021-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the added value of healthy workplaces for employees and organizations, in particular regarding employee satisfaction, labour productivity and facility cost.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on a narrative review of journal papers and other sources covering the fields of building research, corporate real estate management, facilities management, environmental psychology and ergonomics.
Findings
The review supports the assumption of positive impacts of appropriate building characteristics on health, satisfaction and productivity. Correlations between these impacts are still underexposed. Data on cost and economic benefits of healthy workplace characteristics is limited, and mainly regard reduced sickness absence. The discussed papers indicate that investing in healthy work environments is cost-effective.
Originality/value
The findings contribute to a better understanding of the complex relationships between physical characteristics of the environment and health, satisfaction, productivity and costs. These insights can be used to assess work environments on these topics, and to identify appropriate interventions in value-adding management of buildings and facilities.
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