A Brief Self-Directed Intervention to Reduce Office Employees' Sedentary Behaviour in a Flexible Workplace

Abstract

Objective: To assess changes in employees’ sedentary behaviour following a brief self-directed intervention in a flexible workplace.

Methods: 30 employees (69% female; 39.5 ± 9 years) completed an online questionnaire before and after a six-week intervention. The intervention comprised one group-based action planning session, using a smart activity tracker for self-monitoring, weekly email reminders and a healthy living seminar.

Results: Total self-reported sitting time (including occupational and non-occupational sitting) decreased non-significantly on days when working at the office (MΔ = −56mins/day, 95% CI -128.5, 17.0) and increased non-significantly when working at home (MΔ = 20.5mins/day, 95%CI -64.5, 105.5). The program had high acceptability in this participant group.

Conclusions: Brief self-directed interventions using activity tracker devices show promise and may be highly acceptable in a flexible workplace. Additional strategies may be needed to create change in sedentary behaviour.