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The Impact of Activity Based Working (ABW) on Workplace Activity, Eating Behaviours, Productivity, and Satisfaction

Author

Listed:
  • Lauren Arundell

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

  • Bronwyn Sudholz

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

  • Megan Teychenne

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

  • Jo Salmon

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

  • Brooke Hayward

    (Ko Awatea, Counties Manukau Health, Auckland 2025, New Zealand)

  • Genevieve N. Healy

    (School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
    Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
    School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia)

  • Anna Timperio

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

Abstract

The redesign of the physical workplace according to activity-based working (ABW) principles has potential to influence employee health and workplace outcomes. This natural experiment examined changes in accelerometer-derived workplace activity, self-reported eating behaviours, productivity, workplace satisfaction before (March to November 2014) and six to nine months after moving to an ABW workplace compared to a comparison workplace ( n = 146 at baseline (56% ABW, aged 40.1 ± 8.5 years, 72% female). Interviews were also conducted with 21 ABW participants. Between- and within-group differences were examined and mixed model analysis examined intervention effects over time. Effect sizes were calculated on change scores (Cohen’s d ). Although not statistically significant, ABW participants had meaningful improvements in workday sedentary time, light-, and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity, job satisfaction and relationship with co-workers ( d = 0.379–0.577), and small declines in productivity ( d = 0.278). There were significant, meaningful, and beneficial intervention effects on perceived organisational support for being active in the workplace, frequency of eating lunch with colleagues, and satisfaction with the physical environment in ABW compared to comparison participants ( d = 0.501–0.839). Qualitative data suggested that ABW employees associated ABW with greater opportunities for movement and collaboration, but had mixed views on the impact on productivity. Future research with larger samples and over longer follow-up periods is warranted.

Suggested Citation

  • Lauren Arundell & Bronwyn Sudholz & Megan Teychenne & Jo Salmon & Brooke Hayward & Genevieve N. Healy & Anna Timperio, 2018. "The Impact of Activity Based Working (ABW) on Workplace Activity, Eating Behaviours, Productivity, and Satisfaction," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-16, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:5:p:1005-:d:147016
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Erin Gorman & Maureen C Ashe & David W Dunstan & Heather M Hanson & Ken Madden & Elisabeth A H Winkler & Heather A McKay & Genevieve N Healy, 2013. "Does an ‘Activity-Permissive’ Workplace Change Office Workers’ Sitting and Activity Time?," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(10), pages 1-1, October.
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    2. Maria Öhrn & Viktoria Wahlström & Mette S. Harder & Maria Nordin & Anita Pettersson-Strömbäck & Christina Bodin Danielsson & David Olsson & Martin Andersson & Lisbeth Slunga Järvholm, 2021. "Productivity, Satisfaction, Work Environment and Health after Relocation to an Activity-Based Flex Office—The Active Office Design Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-16, July.
    3. Johan Larsson & Stig Vinberg & Helena Jahncke, 2022. "Changing the Office Design to Activity-Based Flexible Offices: A Longitudinal Study of How Managers’ Leadership Behaviours Are Perceived," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-14, October.
    4. Eva L. Bergsten & Katarina Wijk & David M. Hallman, 2021. "Relocation to Activity-Based Workplaces (ABW)—Importance of the Implementation Process," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-16, October.
    5. Sara K. Rosenkranz & Emily L. Mailey & Emily Umansky & Richard R. Rosenkranz & Elizabeth Ablah, 2020. "Workplace Sedentary Behavior and Productivity: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-14, September.
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    7. Meiling Qi & Wendy Moyle & Cindy Jones & Benjamin Weeks, 2020. "Feasibility of a Tai Chi with Thera-Band Training Program: A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-10, November.

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