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Measuring Productivity, Perceived Stress and Work Engagement of a Nationally Delivered Workplace Step Count Challenge

Author

Listed:
  • Gemma C. Ryde

    (Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 126 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
    Division of Sport, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK)

  • Simone A. Tomaz

    (Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 126 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
    Division of Sport, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK)

  • Krissi Sandison

    (Division of Sport, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
    NHS Shetland, Upper Floor Montfield, Burgh Road, Lerwick ZE1 0LA, UK)

  • Carl Greenwood

    (Paths for All, Kintail House, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ, UK)

  • Paul Kelly

    (Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC), The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ, UK)

Abstract

Workplace step count challenges show promise with regard to increasing physical activity, with walking linked to many positive physical and mental health benefits. Few studies have investigated their effects on work-related outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe (1) the process of collecting work-related outcomes as part of a real-world workplace intervention, the Step Count Challenge, and (2) report step counts and work-related outcomes (productivity, perceived stress and work engagement) during the Step Count Challenge. This pre-post study was conducted as part of a four-week 2018 National Step Count Challenge (SCC) in Scotland, UK. A survey was administered to collect self-reported steps, productivity (HWQ), perceived stress (Cohen Perceived Stress Scale) and work engagement (UWES) on the week prior to the intervention starting (baseline), week 1 and week 4. Process data such as recruitment and response rates were monitored throughout. Of 2042 employees who signed up to the SCC, baseline data were reported for 246 (12% of total; mean age 42.5 years, 83% female). Process data suggest low uptake to the study and poor compliance between surveys time points. Preliminary data suggest positive changes in step counts (3374 steps/day by week 4), stress and productivity. No changes in work engagement were found. The findings highlight the need to integrate research more effectively into real-world interventions, including a true baseline period. The Step Count Challenge may have positive change on some work-related outcomes warranting further investigation into how robust research designs can be delivered without negatively influencing real-world interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Gemma C. Ryde & Simone A. Tomaz & Krissi Sandison & Carl Greenwood & Paul Kelly, 2022. "Measuring Productivity, Perceived Stress and Work Engagement of a Nationally Delivered Workplace Step Count Challenge," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:3:p:1843-:d:743296
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ailsa Niven & Gemma Cathrine Ryde & Guy Wilkinson & Carl Greenwood & Trish Gorely, 2021. "The Effectiveness of an Annual Nationally Delivered Workplace Step Count Challenge on Changing Step Counts: Findings from Four Years of Delivery," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-11, May.
    2. Gemma C. Ryde & Gillian Dreczkowski & Iain Gallagher & Ross Chesham & Trish Gorely, 2019. "Device-Measured Desk-Based Occupational Sitting Patterns and Stress (Hair Cortisol and Perceived Stress)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-10, May.
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