A Cost and Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Stand More AT Work (SMArT Work) Intervention

Fehmidah Munir, Paul Miller, Stuart J.H. Biddle, Melanie J. Davies, David W. Dunstan, Dale W. Esliger, Laura J. Gray, Sophie E. O’Connell, Ghazala Waheed, Thomas Yates and Charlotte L. Edwardson
Additional contact information
Fehmidah Munir: School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
Paul Miller: Miller Economics Ltd., Biohub Alderley Park, Alderley Edge SK10 4TG, UK
Stuart J.H. Biddle: Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Education City, Springfield Central, QLD 4300, Australia
Melanie J. Davies: Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
David W. Dunstan: Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Dale W. Esliger: School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
Laura J. Gray: Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
Sophie E. O’Connell: Leicester Diabetes Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
Ghazala Waheed: Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
Thomas Yates: Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
Charlotte L. Edwardson: Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-9

Abstract: This study conducted a cost and cost-benefit analysis of the Stand More AT (SMArT) Work workplace intervention, designed to reduce sitting time. The study was a cluster two-armed randomised controlled trial involving 37 office clusters (146 desk-based workers) in a National Health Service Trust. The intervention group received a height-adjustable workstation with supporting behaviour change strategies. The control group continued with usual practice. Self-report absenteeism, presenteeism and work productivity were assessed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months; and organisational sickness absence records 12 months prior to, and 12 months of the intervention. Mean per employee costs associated with SMArT Work were calculated. Absenteeism, presenteeism and work productivity were estimated, and employer-recorded absence data and employee wage-banding were used to provide a human-capital-based estimate of costs to the organisation. The return-on-investment (ROI) and incremental cost-efficacy ratios (ICER) were calculated. Intervention cost was £692.40 per employee. Cost-benefit estimates show a net saving of £1770.32 (95%CI £-354.40, £3895.04) per employee as a result of productivity increase. There were no significant differences in absence data compared to the control group. SMArT Work provides supporting evidence for policy-makers and employers on the cost benefits of reducing sitting time at work.

Keywords: cost-benefit analysis; sitting; standing; sit-stand; presenteeism; sick leave; sickness absence; workplace health promotion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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