A health and wellbeing program developed by University of Queensland researchers encouraging desk workers to sit less has proven successful in a study conducted with workplaces across Australia.
Professor Genevieve Healy from UQ’s School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences said over 2000 staff from around Australia participated in the trial of the BeUpstanding program.
“This is the first national implementation of a program designed to engage desk workers to sit less and stand more to improve health and wellbeing,” Professor Healy said.
“Staff from 13 different industries participated in the 8-week program, which is designed to raise awareness and create a culture where sitting less and moving more is the norm.
“Staff completed surveys before and after the program to understand its’ impact on factors such as sitting, standing and moving, workplace culture, and health, wellbeing and performance.
"Trial findings showed the BeUpstanding program effectively reduced workplace sitting, positively impacted culture around moving more, reduced musculoskeletal discomfort and increased energy levels.”
When a workplace champion signs up to the free, online program they are provided with a toolkit which provides everything they need to plan, deliver and evaluate the program.
Professor Healy said the message isn’t about standing all day, but promoting regular shifts in posture, and creating a culture that supports regular movement.
“On average 75 per cent of the workday is spent sitting, and high levels sitting increases risk of chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression,” Professor Healy said.
“That's why it’s important to incorporate ways to move, stretch and stand throughout the day.
“It can be as simple as standing when you take phone calls or write long emails or scheduling standing breaks during virtual meetings.”
Dr Ana Goode, an implementation scientist from UQ’s School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences noted a key part of the program is its participatory approach.
“BeUpstanding has never been about researchers coming in and telling staff what to do but rather the program helps empowering staff to choose strategies to sit less and move more that best suit their unique needs and environment,” Dr Goode said.
The feedback from the trial is being used to develop a new version of BeUpstanding that will enable organisations to track multiple teams.
Workplaces can register their interest to take part in this exciting next phase of the program.
BeUpstanding has been evaluated in partnership with Safe Work Australia, Comcare, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, VicHealth and Healthier Workplace WA/Cancer Council WA through funding by the NHMRC Partnership Project grant scheme.
The research is published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.
Media:
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