Short answer
Design interventions that include a strong peer support component and offer a variety of strategies to cater to diverse user preferences and needs.
- Field
- Human Factors
- Source
- International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2023)
- Method
- Mixed-methods research
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Trained workplace champions can significantly improve the perceived effectiveness and adoption of interventions aimed at reducing sitting time among desk-based workers. This human factors research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Using Mixed-methods research, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design interventions that include a strong peer support component and offer a variety of strategies to cater to diverse user preferences and needs.
Workplace champions enhance intervention adoption for reducing sedentary behaviour
Trained workplace champions can significantly improve the perceived effectiveness and adoption of interventions aimed at reducing sitting time among desk-based workers.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · 2023
Key Findings
- 01Workplace champions rated their training highly.
- 02Most participants reported increased awareness of sitting-related health risks and motivation to change.
- 03Group catch-up sessions were generally found helpful, though responses varied.
- 04Height-adjustable desks were perceived as a key factor for behaviour change by some participants.
- 05Mixed responses were observed for sitting less challenges and self-monitoring components.
Application
Design takeaway
Design interventions that include a strong peer support component and offer a variety of strategies to cater to diverse user preferences and needs.
How to apply
When designing workplace wellness programs, train and empower internal staff to act as champions who can promote and support the initiative among their colleagues.
Project actions
- 01Consider how to train and support 'champions' within your user group.
- 02Think about offering different ways for users to engage with your design, as not all methods will suit everyone.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Utilized a mixed-methods approach for comprehensive data.
- +Included both participant and facilitator (champion) perspectives.
Limitations
The effectiveness of specific intervention components like challenges and self-monitoring may vary significantly across different user groups.
Reliability & validity
The use of quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews/focus groups enhances both the reliability (consistency of findings across methods) and validity (measuring what it intends to measure) of the study's conclusions.
Think critically
How might the effectiveness of workplace champions be influenced by organizational culture and the champions' own roles and relationships within the company?
Design Principles
"Leverage social influence and environmental affordances to support behaviour change."
This research highlights the critical role of peer support and internal advocacy in the successful implementation of health and well-being initiatives within organizations. By leveraging internal resources, design projects can foster greater engagement and adherence to behaviour change strategies.
What This Means for Your Design
Having colleagues who are trained to help promote a new health program at work makes people more likely to try it and stick with it, though not every part of the program works for everyone.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of user engagement and social support in your design project's implementation strategy.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The successful implementation of interventions aimed at reducing sedentary behaviour in the workplace is significantly enhanced by the presence of trained workplace champions, who provide peer support and advocacy. This approach, as demonstrated in research by Edwardson et al. (2023), can increase participant engagement and motivation, although the reception of specific intervention components may vary, highlighting the need for flexible and user-centred design strategies.
Source
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Participant and workplace champion experiences of an intervention designed to reduce sitting time in desk-based workers: SMART work & life
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about workplace champions enhance intervention adoption for reducing sedentary behaviour?
- Design interventions that include a strong peer support component and offer a variety of strategies to cater to diverse user preferences and needs. Evidence: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2023).
- Why does "Workplace champions enhance intervention adoption for reducing sedentary behaviour" matter for design?
- This research highlights the critical role of peer support and internal advocacy in the successful implementation of health and well-being initiatives within organizations. By leveraging internal resources, design projects can foster greater engagement and adherence to behaviour change strategies.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design interventions that include a strong peer support component and offer a variety of strategies to cater to diverse user preferences and needs.
- What were the main findings?
- Workplace champions rated their training highly.. Most participants reported increased awareness of sitting-related health risks and motivation to change.. Group catch-up sessions were generally found helpful, though responses varied.. Height-adjustable desks were perceived as a key factor for behaviour change by some participants.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed-methods research.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing workplace wellness programs, train and empower internal staff to act as champions who can promote and support the initiative among their colleagues.
- What are the limitations?
- Participant responses to specific intervention components were mixed, suggesting a need for further personalization or refinement of these elements.