The built environment surrounding workplaces significantly influences the physical activity and sedentary behaviors of employees. A recent systematic review titled "Workplace neighbourhood built environment and workers’ physically-active and sedentary behaviour: a systematic review of observational studies" sheds light on how these environmental factors affect workers' daily routines.
The Importance of Workplace Neighbourhood Design
The study highlights that many desk-based workers spend a substantial portion of their working hours sitting. The built environment around workplaces can either encourage or discourage physical activity. For instance, longer distances from home to work and easy access to car parking are associated with increased sedentary behavior, primarily due to car commuting.
Key Findings from the Research
- Non-significant Associations: Most instances of associations between workplace neighbourhood attributes and physical activity were non-significant. This suggests that the immediate environment around workplaces may not be a strong determinant of physical activity compared to residential areas.
- Destination-Related Attributes: Attributes such as the presence of shops, recreational facilities, and transport stops were positively associated with transport-related physical activity. Conversely, longer distances between home and work were linked to reduced physical activity.
- Sedentary Behavior: Easy access to car parking was positively correlated with increased sedentary behavior, highlighting the need for urban design policies that promote active commuting options.
Implications for Practitioners
The findings offer valuable insights for practitioners looking to enhance employee wellness through environmental design. Here are some strategies practitioners can consider:
- Promote Active Commuting: Encourage employees to engage in active commuting by providing facilities such as bike racks and showers at the workplace.
- Create Mixed-Use Neighbourhoods: Advocate for urban planning policies that support mixed-use developments where residential areas are close to workplaces, reducing the need for long commutes.
- Diversify Destination Access: Ensure that workplaces are surrounded by a variety of destinations such as parks, gyms, and public transport stops to encourage active lifestyles.
The Need for Further Research
The study calls for more research into how workplace neighbourhoods influence sedentary behavior. Future studies should consider both perceived and objective measures of the built environment and explore diverse settings beyond Western countries. Additionally, longitudinal studies could provide deeper insights into how changes in the built environment impact employee behavior over time.
Conclusion
The relationship between workplace neighbourhood design and employee behavior is complex but crucial for promoting healthier lifestyles. By understanding and leveraging these insights, practitioners can play a pivotal role in shaping environments that support active living and reduce sedentary time among workers.
