The development of the Be Active & Relax “Vitality in Practice” (VIP) project and design of an RCT to reduce the need for recovery in office employees

Abstract

BackgroundThere is strong evidence to suggest that multiple work-related health problems are preceded by a higher need for recovery. Physical activity and relaxation are helpful in decreasing the need for recovery. This article aims to describe (1) the development and (2) the design of the evaluation of a daily physical activity and relaxation intervention to reduce the need for recovery in office employees.Methods/DesignThe study population will consist of employees of a Dutch financial service provider. The intervention was systematically developed, based on parts of the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol. Assessment of employees needs was done by combining results of face-to-face interviews, a questionnaire and focus group interviews. A set of theoretical methods and practical strategies were selected which resulted in an intervention program consisting of Group Motivational Interviewing (GMI) supported by a social media platform, and environmental modifications. The Be Active & Relax program will be evaluated in a modified 2 X 2 factorial design. The environmental modifications will be pre-stratified and GMI will be randomised on department level. The program will be evaluated, using 4 arms: (1) GMI and environmental modifications; (2) environmental modifications; (3) GMI; (4) no intervention (control group). Questionnaire data on the primary outcome (need for recovery) and secondary outcomes (daily physical activity, sedentary behaviour, relaxation/detachment, work- and health-related factors) will be gathered at baseline (T0), at 6 months (T1), and at 12 months (T2) follow-up. In addition, an economic and a process evaluation will be performed.DiscussionReducing the need for recovery is hypothesized to be beneficial for employees, employers and society. It is assumed that there will be a reduction in need for recovery after 6 months and 12 months in the intervention group, compared to the control group. Results are expected in 2013.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR2553

Process Evaluation of a Worksite Social and Physical Environmental Intervention

“…29 In a 2×2 factorial design, departments received either the social environmental intervention (A), the physical environmental intervention (B), both interventions (AB), or were part of the control group (no intervention). Details of the RCT and the development of the intervention program have been reported elsewhere.…”

“…Previously, the financial service provider's main focus was on the individual level (eg, providing dietary advice, physiotherapy, and in company fitness facilities). Previous research has shown that changes in the physical environment of the worksite are expected to influence employees' attitudes, 23 job satisfaction, comfort, 24 and performance [25][26][27][28] (for more details on the intervention development, see Coffeng et al 29 ). A blueprint of the environmental interventions was developed in close cooperation with the employees, combining scientific evidence with practice-based information of the target population.…”

Recovery experience and burnout in cancer workers in Queensland

“…It is well recognised that this may contribute to burnout and the literature suggests that approximately one third of cancer workers exhibit symptoms of burnout, core features of which are emotional exhaustion and disengagement (Girgis et al, 2009;Poulsen et al, 2011;Shanafelt et al, 2006). Burnout and work stress are negatively correlated with employees' health and well being and are positively associated with high desire to leave the organisation (Coffeng et al, 2012).…”

Excesso de peso e fatores associados em servidores do Sul do Brasil

“…An American study with 412 workers aged 19-63 found that the prevalence of overweight was 31% in this population 23 . Lower prevalences of overweight workers may be found in studies that emphasize interventions focused on motivating workers to perform physical activity outside the workplace 24 . Men were more likely to develop overweight.…”