Workplace-Related Factors Associated With Employees' Standing Time at Work: A Research Brief
Amanda H Wilkerson1, Stuart L Usdan2, Adam P Knowlden2
11 Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA.
American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP
|October 30, 2018
Summary
Workplace standing time is influenced by individual factors like self-efficacy and social norms, as well as environmental elements. Men, faculty, and those with standing desks reported more standing during work hours.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Behavioral Science
- Workplace Wellness
Background:
- Sedentary behavior in the workplace is a growing concern.
- Understanding factors influencing standing time is crucial for health promotion.
- Previous research has not fully explored the multifaceted determinants of workplace standing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between work-related, individual, and environmental factors and self-reported standing time.
- To identify key predictors of increased standing duration during the workday.
- To inform interventions aimed at reducing sedentary behavior at work.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design involving 502 participants from a southeastern US university.
- Data collected via an 87-item online survey assessing standing time, demographics, psychosocial factors, and environmental variables.
- Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and nonparametric tests.
Main Results:
- Average daily standing time was 72.49 minutes (SD = 73.48).
- Significant associations found between standing time and barrier self-efficacy, self-regulation, social norms, workplace connectivity, and coworker proximity.
- Men, faculty, employees with advanced degrees, and those with standing desks reported significantly higher standing times.
Conclusions:
- Workplace standing behavior is influenced by a combination of individual, social, and environmental factors.
- Health promotion strategies should adopt a multi-level approach to address sedentary behavior.
- Future workplace studies should consider employee subgroup variations in behavior.
