Physical activity in paid work time for desk-based employees: a qualitative study of employers’ and employees’ perspectives

Abstract

Background: Poor physical and mental health of employees create significant problems in the workplace. Physical activity (PA) has been shown as an effective strategy for preventing and treating numerous physical and mental health issues as well as work performance outcomes. However, there are many barriers to taking part in PA (such as lack of time) with participation rates typically low. Providing PA in paid work time might be a way to overcome these issues, yet employers' and employees' opinions of this concept are unknown. The aim of this study was to explore employee and employer perspectives of PA in paid work time. Methods: Workplaces were recruited through existing contacts on the research team. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with employees and managers at one University and two executive non-departmental public bodies in central Scotland with mainly desk-based employees. Both managers and employees were involved to gain perspectives throughout the organisational hierarchy and were interviewed separately to reduce social desirability bias. All discussions were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed thematically for both managers and employees but due to significant overlap in themes between the groups, these are reported together in the results. Results: Three out of five organisations approached took part in this qualitative study. Two individual interviews were held with strategic managers, five focus groups with middle managers (n = 16) and nine with employees (n = 45). Benefits were anticipated by managers and employees for both employees themselves and the organisation and included improved mental health, productivity and more favourable perceptions of the employer. Despite these widely acknowledged benefits, significant barriers were identified and included the structure and nature of the working day (high workload, front line job requirements), workplace culture and norms (resentment from colleagues, no break culture) and organisational concerns (cost of lost time, public perceptions). Conclusion: This study suggests that there are significant barriers to PA in paid work time. Whilst numerous anticipated benefits were conveyed by both employees and managers, PA in paid work time is unlikely to become common place until changes in attitudes and the culture towards movement at work occur.

COVID-Well Study: Qualitative Evaluation of Supported Wellbeing Centres and Psychological First Aid for Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…It is pertinent that NHS staff in our study did not always feel sanctioned by line managers to engage in self-care, or wellbeing activities at work, including taking work breaks to visit the wellbeing centres. Similar findings have been demonstrated in the context of healthy lifestyle behaviours at work (e.g., physical activity), where job-related barriers to engagement in health behaviours included the structure and nature of the working day (high workload, front line job requirements), workplace culture and norms (resentment from colleagues, no break culture) and organizational concerns (cost of lost time, public perceptions) [65]. Lack of work breaks and an absence of suitable rest areas is particularly common amongst healthcare workers [66][67][68][69], although it is well-established that long hours and consecutive shifts without breaks have negative psychological impacts, and health and safety implications for healthcare workers and patients [23,70].…”

Leg Fidgeting During Prolonged Sitting Improves Postprandial Glycemic Control in People with Obesity

“…According to the findings presented herein, the prescription of light‐intensity physical activity to lessen postprandial glycemia during sitting should be considered. Although reducing sitting time is crucial for health outcomes and it should be promoted as much as possible, barriers can hinder the feasibility of people engaging in such behaviors during working hours (14,15). Moreover, most people even choose to sit during their free/leisure time (30).…”

“…Although nonseated physical activity and reducing sitting time can diminish postprandial glycemia (5‐9) and exert other health benefits, many barriers exist that preclude the adoption of these positive behaviors (14,15). These barriers include, but are not limited to, a perceived lack of time, workplace culture and behavior norms, task‐specific duties throughout the day, and a lack of personal knowledge and confidence in performing physical activities (14,15). In addition to these barriers, recently the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in prolonged confinements and limited access to recreational facilities, ultimately reducing time spent being physically active (16,17).…”

Occupational Health: Does Compliance with Physical Activity Recommendations Have a Preventive Effect on Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Computer Workers? A Cross-Sectional Study

“…With respect to CW, Weenas et al (2019) referred that white-collar worker had lower odds of complying to the WHO guidelines than other types of workers, but the effect of the occupation was not consistent throughout different models [ 20 ]. In this context, it is indispensable to investigate the perception of PA that those workers have and how to change attitudes in order to obtain successful programs that promote health-oriented physical activity in different social groups [ 21 , 22 ].…”