Motives for interrupting sedentary behaviour among office workers in onsite, remote, and hybrid work models

Abstract

Aim: This study analyses factors that encourage office workers to get up and move during their workday. Subjects and methods: An anonymous survey was conducted from April 2022 until June 2023 among 552 Latvian office workers aged 19–80. Inclusion criteria were computer use and predominantly sedentary work. A binary regression model and comparative statistical methods were employed. Results: Compared with onsite work, a remote work environment increased the odds of being less physically active by 87.2%—OR 0.13 (95% CI (0.07; 0.24)); hybrid work by 69.9%—OR 0.30 (95% CI (0.15; 0.058)) (p < 0.001). Gender differences in motivation for movement were observed: 47.9% of women favoured employer-led physical activity sessions, whereas 31.4% supported a scheduled physical activity programme. Men preferred (32.6%) workplace activity corners to encourage movement. The odds of moving less increased by 4% annually as employees aged (OR 0.97; 95% CI (0.94; 0.99)). Over 5 years, the odds of reduced movement due to health status were 1.18 times greater. Conclusions: Working onsite typically promotes more physical activity, as the workplace environment naturally encourages movement through activities such as attending meetings, interacting with colleagues, or navigating the office. Conversely, remote work often results in extended periods of sitting, with fewer inherent opportunities or reminders to move, potentially leading to health problems over time. Motives for engaging employees in physical activities at work differ by gender and age. This is important for planning preventive strategies to reduce work-related sedentary behaviour in office workers.