The Impact of Active Workstations on Workplace Productivity and Performance: A Systematic Review

Overview

Journal Int J Environ Res Public Health

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Environmental Health
Public Health

Date 2018 Mar 3

PMID 29495542

Citations 22

Authors

Samson O Ojo

Daniel P Bailey

Angel M Chater

David J Hewson

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Active workstations have been recommended for reducing sedentary behavior in the workplace. It is important to understand if the use of these workstations has an impact on worker productivity. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effect of active workstations on workplace productivity and performance. A total of 3303 articles were initially identified by a systematic search and seven articles met eligibility criteria for inclusion. A quality appraisal was conducted to assess risk of bias, confounding, internal and external validity, and reporting. Most of the studies reported cognitive performance as opposed to productivity. Five studies assessed cognitive performance during use of an active workstation, usually in a single session. Sit-stand desks had no detrimental effect on performance, however, some studies with treadmill and cycling workstations identified potential decreases in performance. Many of the studies lacked the power required to achieve statistical significance. Three studies assessed workplace productivity after prolonged use of an active workstation for between 12 and 52 weeks. These studies reported no significant effect on productivity. Active workstations do not appear to decrease workplace performance.

Citing Articles

Effect of Active Workstations on Neurocognitive Performance and Typing Skills: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

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"Are We Working (Too) Comfortably?": Understanding the Nature of and Factors Associated with Sedentary Behaviour When Working in the Home Environment.

Niven A, Baker G, Almeida E, Fawkner S, Jepson R, Manner J Occup Health Sci. 2022; 7(1):71-88.

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Effects of reducing sedentary behaviour duration by increasing physical activity, on cognitive function, brain function and structure across the lifespan: a systematic review protocol.

Pindus D, Selzer-Ninomiya A, Nayak A, Pionke J, Raine L BMJ Open. 2022; 12(10):e046077.

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Classroom Movement Breaks and Physically Active Learning Are Feasible, Reduce Sedentary Behaviour and Fatigue, and May Increase Focus in University Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Lynch J, ODonoghue G, Peiris C Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022; 19(13).

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Workplace Intervention for Reducing Sitting Time in Sedentary Workers: Protocol for a Pilot Study Using the Behavior Change Wheel.

Ojo S, Bailey D, Chater A, Hewson D Front Public Health. 2022; 10:832374.

PMID: 35493386 PMC: 9039234. DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.832374.

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