A Social Cognitive Assessment of Workplace Sedentary Behavior among a Sample of University Employees.

Sedentary behavior (SB) is an important public health concern. Adults working in desk-based occupations spend a considerable proportion of the workday sitting. More information is needed regarding the factors that contribute to occupational SB. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of social cognitive theory (SCT) to explain work-related SB using a quantitative, cross-sectional design by administering an online questionnaire. Participants included 381 full-time employees at a large, public university in the south-central United States. Hierarchical multiple linear regression was used to determine the relationship between SCT constructs and SB. Mean work-related SB was 5.95 (SD = 1.30) h/8 h workday. In model 1, 9.6% of the total variance in SB was accounted for by standing desk ownership and physical activity level (p = 0.001; R2 = 0.096). In model 2, SCT constructs led to a statistically significant R2 increase of 4.9% (p < 0.001), where standing desk ownership, physical activity, and self-efficacy explained 13.3% of the variance in work-related SB. Findings from this study suggest that self-efficacy may be an important factor in explaining variation in occupational SB. Public health researchers and practitioners should consider strategies to address self-efficacy when developing workplace interventions to target occupational SB.

Feasibility of Using Mobile Standing Desks to Address Sedentary Behavior in Flexible Work Environments: A Mixed Methods Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using mobile standing desks to address work-related sedentary behavior for adults working in flexible positions. METHODS: University employees ( N = 20) in flexible positions used a mobile standing desk for 8 weeks and completed one focus group. Paired t tests were used to determine differences in workplace behavior. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Work-related sitting decreased ( P = 0.010, -45.88 minutes) and standing increased ( P = 0.016, +41.28 minutes). Advantages included mobility, enhanced attention to tasks, and ease of use. Disadvantages included the device's design, built environment barriers, and impact of work/life circumstances. CONCLUSIONS: The mobile standing desk resulted in a decrease in sitting consistent with traditional standing desk-based interventions. Future interventions should consider including goal setting, reminders, feedback, and incentives.