Subproject 1: Development of recommendations for interventions with the aim to prevent health consequences of sedentary work
Subproject 2: Assessment of different work environments on sedentary behaviour and physical activity in sedentary work - a field study
- Project number: F 2499
- Institution: Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA)
- Status: Completed Project
Description:
Digitalisation is increasing the number of tasks performed in a seated position atwork, and long sedentary periods increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Strategies for more movement in the office are necessary to maintain health.
In the field study "SITFLEX", quantitative and qualitative surveys were used todetermine the influence of different work environments on sitting and movement behaviour. Differences in sitting and movement behaviour between on-site work andworking from home were also examined. Although working from home offers opportunities to increase movement, objective measurements of sitting and movement behaviour in the field observed an increase of sitting time. International studies, most of which were conducted during the pandemic and with measurements with questionnaires, generally came to similar conclusions. In the qualitative study, factors that promote or hinder improved sitting and movement behaviour were identified for all office environments.
Organisational measures, such as scheduling breaks between online meetings, can help to integrate more movement into the working day, both in the office and when working from home.
