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Abstract
Workplace step count challenges show promise with regard to increasing physical activity, with walking linked to many positive physical and mental health benefits. Few studies have investigated their effects on work-related outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe (1) the process of collecting work-related outcomes as part of a real-world workplace intervention, the Step Count Challenge, and (2) report step counts and work-related outcomes (productivity, perceived stress and work engagement) during the Step Count Challenge. This pre-post study was conducted as part of a four-week 2018 National Step Count Challenge (SCC) in Scotland, UK. A survey was administered to collect self-reported steps, productivity (HWQ), perceived stress (Cohen Perceived Stress Scale) and work engagement (UWES) on the week prior to the intervention starting (baseline), week 1 and week 4. Process data such as recruitment and response rates were monitored throughout. Of 2042 employees who signed up to the SCC, baseline data were reported for 246 (12% of total; mean age 42.5 years, 83% female). Process data suggest low uptake to the study and poor compliance between surveys time points. Preliminary data suggest positive changes in step counts (3374 steps/day by week 4), stress and productivity. No changes in work engagement were found. The findings highlight the need to integrate research more effectively into real-world interventions, including a true baseline period. The Step Count Challenge may have positive change on some work-related outcomes warranting further investigation into how robust research designs can be delivered without negatively influencing real-world interventions.
Highlights
IntroductionOver the past 50 years physical activity has decreased dramatically, coupled with an increase in sedentary behavior [1,2]
Introduction published maps and institutional affilOver the past 50 years physical activity has decreased dramatically, coupled with an increase in sedentary behavior [1,2]
The findings of this study suggest that the Step Count Challenge can have positive change on employee step count and some work-related outcomes, including stress and productivity
Summary
Over the past 50 years physical activity has decreased dramatically, coupled with an increase in sedentary behavior [1,2]. Time use data suggest this change in physical activity is largely attributable to a decrease in occupational physical activity [1,2]. Many workplaces have shifted towards sedentary environments with predominantly desk-based occupations. 47% of women report their jobs as mostly sitting and that fulltime office employees can sit for approximately six hours per day at work [3,4]. Very little movement occurs during work hours in these jobs with some data suggesting as little as 4 to 17 min of moderate to vigorous activity accumulated whilst at work [3,5]. With 76% of UK adults aged 16–64 in employment, too much sitting and not moving at work effects a large percentage of the UK population [6]
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