Effect of a Workplace-Driven Sit–Stand Initiative on Sitting Time and Work Outcomes

ABSTRACT

Modifications to workplaces, including installation of sit–stand work stations, have been shown to be effective in reducing the amount of time workers spend sitting. This study begins to build practice-based evidence through a pragmatic evaluation of workplace environmental changes aimed at reducing sitting time through installing sit–stand workstations in a workplace with an existing organizational culture of supporting and promoting activity-based work. Participants were recruited from the work site of a single organization, which had sit–stand desks installed for all workers in 2015. Before desk installation, and 3 months after installation, workers were invited to complete a survey, with physical activity over the whole day; sitting, standing, moving, and breaking up sitting time at work; and sitting and standing outside work evaluated. Paired t-tests were used to analyze changes in these activity measures pre- and postinstallation. A total of 157 workers completed the baseline survey (52% of total staff), with 79 workers completing the survey at both baseline and follow-up (82% female, 61% 40+ yr; baseline percent workplace sitting = 77%, SD = 17%). From baseline to follow-up, participants decreased their workplace percent sitting time (mean change = −17%, 95% confidence interval = −22% to −13%, P < 0.01) and increased their workplace percent standing time (mean change = +15%, 95% confidence interval = 11%–19%, P < 0.01). Changes in workplace moving, frequency of breaks from sitting, physical activity over the week, and sitting and standing time outside work hours were small and not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Findings from this natural experiment suggest that the installation of sit–stand workstations into an activity-promoting workplace environment may be effective for reducing sitting time and increasing standing in office workers.