The Impact of Active Workstations on Workplace Productivity and Performance: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Active workstations have been recommended for reducing sedentary behavior in the workplace. It is important to understand if the use of these workstations has an impact on worker productivity. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effect of active workstations on workplace productivity and performance. A total of 3303 articles were initially identified by a systematic search and seven articles met eligibility criteria for inclusion. A quality appraisal was conducted to assess risk of bias, confounding, internal and external validity, and reporting. Most of the studies reported cognitive performance as opposed to productivity. Five studies assessed cognitive performance during use of an active workstation, usually in a single session. Sit-stand desks had no detrimental effect on performance, however, some studies with treadmill and cycling workstations identified potential decreases in performance. Many of the studies lacked the power required to achieve statistical significance. Three studies assessed workplace productivity after prolonged use of an active workstation for between 12 and 52 weeks. These studies reported no significant effect on productivity. Active workstations do not appear to decrease workplace performance.

The effects of cycle and treadmill desks on work performance and cognitive function in sedentary workers: A review and meta-analysis

“…In a review by Shrestha et al [26], the focus was on sedentary behavior and energy expenditure. Two reviews [27,28] focused on the effects of active workstations on work and cognitive performance but did not evaluate the speific effects of cycle and treadmill desks. Hence, no review and meta-analyses to date evaluated the effects of cycle and treadmill desks alone on work performance and cognitive function.…”

“…Meta-analyses conducted so far have addressed the effects of workplace interventions on sedentary behavior and PA levels [21][22][23][24][25][26], whereas two metaanalyses have examined the effects on the cognitive function [27,28]. These meta-analyses included studies with different interventions (active breaks, educational workshops, prompts, sit-to-stand desks, bike and treadmill desks, etc.).…”

Reducing prolonged sedentary time using a treadmill desk acutely improves cardiometabolic risk markers in male and female adults

“…Furthermore, the feasibility of treadmill desk workstations in the workplace remains to be determined. It is possible that short-term use of a treadmill desk may decrease work productivity and performance (Ojo, Bailey, Chater, & Hewson, 2018) and future research should thus establish the long term effects of these workstations in the workplace. Lastly, as the study sample were in good general health, it may not be appropriate to generalise the findings to clinical populations.…”

Effects of cycle and treadmill desks on energy expenditure and cardiometabolic parameters in sedentary workers: review and meta-analysis

“…Reviews conducted to date show mostly positive effects of active workstations on sedentary behaviour, PA, EE, cognitive function and contrasting results in work performance [24][25][26][27][28][29][30]62,71,72]. Most papers have focused on reducing sedentary behaviour and increasing PA in workers and included studies with different types of interventions, such as sit-to-stand desks, cycle and treadmill desks, active breaks, counselling, health promotion, etc.…”

“…For example, Chu et al [24] included studies that combined mixed environmental and educational interventions. Ojo et al [72] focused on the effects of active workstations on work and cognitive performance, whereas Reed et al [28] focused on studies evaluating the effects on cardiometabolic parameters and included studies only with female participants. In the review by Shrestha et al [29] the focus was on sedentary behaviour and EE, with the studies included evaluating different interventions (sit-to-stand, International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics (JOSE) 7 cycle desks, etc.).…”