Promoting workplace physical activity among university employees: the impact of motivational and educational banners on stair use

Employees often face barriers to engaging in regular physical activity (PA) during working hours, including lack of time, workloads, and management support, which are some of the noted barriers. This intervention aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of displaying motivational and educational banners near lifts and stairwells in a university setting as a strategy to promote PA. This mixed methods intervention involved 103 university employees who were observed as they approached lifts, with subsequent stair use being monitored. The intervention took place in two university buildings, where four large banners (468 × 280 cm) featuring motivational and educational messages were strategically placed near stairwells and lifts. Significant changes in stair use behaviour were noted, while analysis identified six main themes such as promoting physical activity, motivation, behaviour change, physical benefits, mental benefits and future direction, and several sub-themes related to participants' motivations and experiences. An average the number of floors participants reported climbing were (n = 3) and each floor represented 21 steps. Participants reported physical benefits, such as increased heart rate and leg strengthening, while others noted mental health benefits, including reduced stress, anxiety, and improved confidence. This intervention successfully changed participants’ behaviour, with many stating that the banners would positively influence their future stair-use decisions. The findings can inform future interventions related to PA, health, and well-being in various settings, including workplaces and community environments.