Enhancing motivation and psychological wellbeing in the workplace through conscious physical activity: Suggestions from a qualitative study examining workers' experience

Abstract

IntroductionAfter COVID-19 restrictions, hybrid solutions were established that combined smart working and work in presence. Workplace conditions significantly impact employees' lives, particularly in terms of meeting their needs and promoting their wellbeing. Based on a socio-ecological and multilevel methodology, the UP150 concept (Proactive Office 150) represents a possible innovative solution to meet employees' needs and valorize flexible work. It encourages physical exercise and active breaks during the typical workday by using particular architectural modifications, a dedicated App, and physical activity professionals as wellness coaches. The present study is the last step of the preliminary actions planned to check the benefits of the UP150 concept and aims to explore the workers' perceptions after experiencing this project.MethodsThe qualitative analysis of a preliminary survey (concerning information about the company structure and workers' habits) performed before conducting a randomized controlled trial intervention study and the analysis of the semi-structured interviews after 8 weeks of a UP150 experience served as datasets for this study and have been examined and discussed.ResultsIn the preliminary survey, the young (under 40) and generally active (57% of the workers) reported being motivated to exercise but inhibited by a lack of time and a heavy workload. After 8 weeks at a modified workplace designed in accordance with the motive behind the UP150, the workers displayed noticeable positive perceptions and appreciation.DiscussionThe qualitative analysis confirmed and supported the effectiveness of the UP150 concept that previous research had already found in quantitative parameters related to employees' motor efficiency, psychophysical status, and amount of physical activity. Participants reported beneficial perceived effects on their wellness and psychophysical status following a UP150 experience. Moreover, the concept improved social relationships and increased motivation. In conclusion, the UP150 concept efficiently fostered a positive perception of physical exercise and directed the employees toward the assumption of healthy behaviors fitting the physical literacy paradigm.

Reducing sedentary behaviour in office workers – motivational factors and barriers

“…Similar findings were shown in many studies, where office workers' heavy workload and lack of time was a significant barrier to be physically active as work demands were prioritised over being active [21,23,24]. Some researchers have reported that between 33% and 50% respondents named 'lack of time' as the main obstacle to involvement in physical activity at work [25,26], and 21% due to heavy workload [25]. In addition, some respondents noted that it is hard to break concentration by standing up for a job that requires strong focus [22].…”

Effects of cognitive load and different exercise intensities on perceived effort in sedentary university students: a follow up of the Cubo Fitness Test validation

“…The Cubo Fitness Test (CFT) is a diagnostic tool developed to assess motor efficiency. The optimal reliability and good criterion validity of CFT with university student and desk-worker populations was previously confirmed by Invernizzi et al (2021Invernizzi et al ( , 2022. The CFT is performed at a sub-maximal intensity (perceived as moderate from rating of perceived exertion scales) requiring a short time to be accomplished (without sophisticated and expensive equipment).…”

“…Indeed, these educations should always consider the individual psychophysical characteristics and act in agreement with actual body condition (Birnbaumer et al, 2022). Only with this awareness, individuals could independently choose appropriate activities through lifespan (Deci and Ryan, 2000;Finch and Owen, 2001;Invernizzi et al, 2022).…”

“…The negative influence on physical performance has mainly been attributed to an increased perception of effort (Smith et al, 2016). Therefore, from these considerations it emerges that the CFT must be able to give objective evaluations in specific sedentary contexts regardless of the fluctuations in mental effort during the different periods of the year (Signorini et al, 2022). Indeed, the CFT should work in specific environments where mental fatigue represents a typical condition of the individuals' daily routine (Invernizzi et al, 2021).…”

Behavioral Interventions in Face-to-face Communication to Decrease Group Stress Levels

“…Conversely, the ability to maintain concentration in the absence of external interruptions for extended periods is believed to enhance cognitive productivity. Additionally, the demonstration that moving the body at the appropriate frequency in uences motivation 21 suggests that there may be an optimal duration for continuous desk work. We used Sato's de nition of the behavioral characteristics of o ce workers 14 , considering them engaged in desk work when they were not facing someone and had minimal body movement (frequencies of less than 2Hz).…”