Physical Activity in the Workplace – Making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice

Abstract

Background: Engaging in physical activity in the workplace is important to address to combat the negative health outcomes associated with physical inactivity and prolonged sitting.Aim: This study aims to identify efforts that increase light neuromotor physical activity in university workplaces for sedentary employees.Methods: Sub-study 1 examined 15 intervention employees and 10 control employees. MANOVA was used to examine average number of days employees did three movements at work between groups over an eight-week period. Sub-study 2 examined 56 employees and measured three beliefs towards employee intention to do the movements at work. A linear regression examined the significance of the beliefs in predicting employee intention.Results: MANOVA results showed a significant effect between groups on the average number of days employees did three movements over an eight-week period of time, F (3, 21) = 3.16; p < .05. The adjusted R-squared predicting intention from the three beliefs was .343 (p < .001). Participants' belief in how 'easy' doing the movements would be significantly predicted intention scores (β= .467; p < .001) as did the 'popular' belief (β = .371; p < .01). Conclusion: Worksite group physical activity programs can increase the frequency employees get up and move at work. Employee beliefs of how easy or popular a behavior is can significantly predict intention to do neuromotor movements in workplaces.