Implementing a Physical Activity Promoting Program in a Flex-Office: A Process Evaluation with a Mixed Methods Design

Viktoria Wahlström, Anncristine Fjellman-Wiklund, Mette Harder, Lisbeth Slunga Järvholm and Therese Eskilsson
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Viktoria Wahlström: Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section for Sustainable Health, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
Anncristine Fjellman-Wiklund: Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Section of Physiotherapy, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
Mette Harder: Umeå School of Architecture, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
Lisbeth Slunga Järvholm: Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section for Sustainable Health, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
Therese Eskilsson: Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Section of Physiotherapy, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-20

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate facilitating and hindering factors when implementing a physical activity (PA)-promoting program among office workers moving to a flex office, by conducting a process evaluation. Additionally, we evaluated self-reported and perceived PA behaviors. With a mixed methods design, analyses were based upon data from interviews with 70 employees and repeated questionnaires from 152 employees. The PA-promoting program was fully implemented and supported by management. There was a strong health promoting culture, encouraging PA in the organization already at the start of the study. The lecture and the office design were rated as the most motivating program components. The use of stairs, breaks during meetings and social acceptance for standing and walking at work increased. Employees described a strive for variation, and how managers, the office environment, productivity and ergonomic aspects influenced sedentary behavior (SB) and PA. The need for the PA-promoting program was questioned, and the timing of the program was debated. To conclude, a strong organizational health culture combined with a facilitating physical environment can create sustainable positive PA behaviors in office settings. A thorough understanding of organizational needs and a participatory process are needed to tailor organizational interventions to decrease SB.

Keywords: activity-based work; ergonomics; longitudinal; office design; sedentary behavior; office workers; workstation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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