Worksite physical activity breaks: Perspectives on feasibility of implementation

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Public health interventions
• Behavioral science

Background:

• Worksite settings present a significant opportunity to promote physical activity among employees with diverse lifestyle habits.
• Integrating physical activity into the workday can address sedentary behaviors common in many professions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate employee and supervisor perceptions regarding the feasibility and acceptability of 10-minute Instant Recess® physical activity video breaks in the workplace.
• To gather insights on how to best implement and sustain such programs within diverse worksites.

Main Methods:

• A convenience sample of 187 employees from 13 public and private worksites participated in Instant Recess® breaks and completed surveys.
• One supervisor per worksite was interviewed to assess implementation feasibility and gather suggestions.
• Quantitative survey data (Likert-type scales) and qualitative interview data were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Employees reported high satisfaction with enjoyment, productivity, comfort, and daily feasibility of Instant Recess® (scores >4.0/5).
• Employees expressed discomfort in leading the breaks (score 2.68/5).
• Supervisors overwhelmingly enjoyed the program, viewed it as a cost-effective wellness entry point, and supported daily implementation at a set time and place.

Conclusions:

• Both employees and supervisors perceive 10-minute video-based physical activity breaks as feasible and desirable for the workplace.
• The findings suggest that Instant Recess® can be successfully integrated into worksite wellness initiatives.