Perspectives on implementing exercise bikes for use by inpatient mental health staff in the workplace: A qualitative study investigating staff attitudes.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Exercise equipment for mental health staff may improve staff wellbeing, mitigate against stress and improve staff attitudes towards physical activity. This said, there is a lack of researching investigating the attitudes of mental health staff towards the provision of fitness facilities in the workplace. The study investigated staff attitudes towards being offered exercise bikes in the workplace. Three focus groups and one individual interview were conducted with 12 healthcare professionals. Data were subject to a thematic analysis. Three themes were identified. (1) 'This sounds like a good idea', which reflected positive views in the provision of exercise in the workplace for staff use. (2) 'I'm not sure it would work because …', which reflected implementation concerns including not having access to shower facilities and time constraints. (3) 'Balancing choice', which reflected participant's desire to have access to varied gym equipment. The introduction of fitness facilities in the workplace for staff use was endorsed. However, implementation barriers were noted. This research provides justification for the exploration of the feasibility and benefits of providing exercise equipment for mental health staff in the workplace but presents implementation barriers that are worth considering before trialling provision of exercise equipment.