Physically Active Office Design

“This collaborative office design is based on research on the impacts of sedentary behavior in the workplace, which is a growing problem and health concern (Hadgraft et al., 2018; Owen et al., 2010). Research shows that physical activity is successful in counteracting the negative effects of sedentary behavior (Pronk, 2021; Buman et al., 2016). The goal of this office is to incorporate light-intensity physical activity into the worker’s daily routines while supporting all levels of capabilities. This design references activity-based workplace design principles and supports collaboration and heads-down work through a variety of environments and postures. The design further encourages standing to limit sedentary behaviors while encouraging productivity. Workplaces designed for activity empower workers to achieve better physical outcomes than traditional office environments. The principles behind this design can be used and adapted to multiple different office spaces. “ 

 — Alicia Thurston

References

Buman, M. P., Mullane, S. L., Toledo, M. J., Rydell, S. A., Gaesser, G. A., Crespo, N. C., Hannan, P., Feltes, L., Vuong, B., & Pereira, M. A. (2016). An intervention to reduce sitting and increase light-intensity physical activity at work: Design and rationale of the “ Stand & Move at Work ” group randomized trial. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 53, 11–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2016.12.008 

Hadgraft, N. T., Brakenridge, C. L., Dunstan, D. W., Owen, N., Healy, G. N., & Lawler, S. P. (2018). Perceptions of the acceptability and feasibility of reducing occupational sitting: review and thematic synthesis. The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 15(1), 90–90. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-018- 0718-9 

Owen, N., Sparling, P. B., Healy, G. N., Dunstan, D. W., & Matthews, C. E. (2010). Sedentary behavior: emerging evidence for a new health risk. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 85(12), 1138–. https://doi.org/10.4065/mcp.2010.0444  

Pronk, N. P. (2021). Implementing movement at the workplace: Approaches to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior in the context of work. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 64, 17–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2020.10.004