Background:

Sedentary behaviour is used to describe very little energy expenditure, and typically includes workplace sitting. Recent research on occupational sitting suggests there may be adverse health effects associated with sitting for long periods, especially at work. Australian employees in administrative, professional and managerial occupations sit for more than three-quarters of their total time at work. The study will provide qualitative insights into the practicality, ease of use, and convenience of the adjustable workstations from a user and employer perspective.

Methods:

The study was a two group (control and intervention) pre- and post-evaluation design. The participants are a convenience sample of 40 Curtin University employees and their Supervisors recruited by email and randomly assigned to an intervention and control group. A mixed-method approach collected data via an online survey and face-to-face exit interviews with the intervention group and Supervisors, to gauge their perceptions of the implementation of sit-to-stand stations. Open-ended questions regarding sitting reduction strategies are posed. Qualitative content analysis will be conducted. Each interview will be transcribed verbatim and then the data will be coded according to the content and the material will be categorised.

Results/Discussions:

The results of the qualitative content analysis will be presented. The workplace is a convenient and effective setting for the delivery of health promotion interventions. Standing desks are one strategy used to reduce prolonged sitting time, however there has been very few qualitative studies into the practical insights of standing desks.

Conclusions/implications:

The findings of this research will be relevant for informing the decisions of health promotion practitioners, employees and employers. This study has a focus on research translation, with the aim of producing guidelines for the workplace to reduce sedentary behaviour.