A brief self-directed intervention to reduce office employees' sedentary behavior in a flexible workplace

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess changes in employees' sedentary behavior after a brief self-directed intervention in a flexible workplace. Methods: A total of 30 employees (69% female; 39.5±9 years) completed an online questionnaire before and after a 6-week intervention. The intervention comprised one group-based action planning session, using a smart activity tracker for self-monitoring, weekly email reminders, and a healthy living seminar. Results: Total self-reported sitting time (including occupational and nonoccupational sitting) decreased nonsignificantly on days when working at the office (MDΔ=-56 min/d, 95% confidence interval [CI], -128.5 to 17.0) and increased nonsignificantly when working at home (MDΔ=20.5 min/d, 95% CI, -64.5 to 105.5). The program had high acceptability in this participant group. Conclusions: Brief self-directed interventions using activity tracker devices show promise and may be highly acceptable in a flexible workplace. Additional strategies may be needed to create change in sedentary behavior.