Workplace movement: a qualitative study on office workers' beliefs

Physical inactivity and long hours being sedentary are well documented as behaviours that contribute to ill health. Such behaviours are prevalent among office workers, who are at risk of diseases like metabolic dysfunction, reduced bone mineral density and heart disease. Using a theory of planned behaviour belief-based approach, the current paper qualitatively explores the behavioural, normative and control beliefs held by sedentary office workers towards physical activity within the work environment.

Participants included 43 full-time office workers, who self-report as having a highly sedentary job and work from either a commercial office, home office, or a combination. The study used a semi-structured interview design following the theory of planned behaviour belief elicitation guidelines, and data analysed using a theoretical thematic analysis approach.

Participants reported advantages of stress relief, improved focus and productivity and increased positive mood with moving. Disadvantages included feelings of guilt and frustration due to work disruptions from moving more. Mixed reports for others' approval and disapproval were identified. Office layout was a commonly identified facilitator of workplace movement, with job restrictions identified as a common barrier.

Findings highlight the importance of workplace culture, organisational support and office layout as key considerations for future interventionalists.