Quantifying the impact of workplace environment features on physical activity for hybrid workers: A wearable sensors study

Recent studies show that working from home has resulted in an increase in self-reported sedentary behavior; however, less is known about the contribution of workplace environment features on measured physical activity when working on a hybrid schedule (i.e., both at home and from an office). This small-scale study takes advantage of an unprecedented time to examine differences in the quantity and pattern of physical activity for hybrid workers. By pairing measured data collected from wearable activity trackers with self-reported data on work location and workday routines, we identify to what extent specific workplace environment features help promote physical activity. Results from 245 participant-days of data showed a significant 33 % increase in daily step count when working from an office compared to home, translating to an average of 2580 steps, or 25 min of additional daily physical activity. On days when participants worked either partial or full days in the office, times of increased step count aligned with reported entry and exit times from the office building. A mixed effects model further revealed that a walking commute and the presence/convenience of stairs significantly predicted increased physical activity on office days, while access to gym/exercise equipment significantly predicted higher step counts on home days. To substantiate our quantitative results, a qualitative analysis of participant responses emphasized the benefits of active commutes and walking meetings at the office, as well as access to urban amenities and walking breaks at home. This analysis serves as a strong proof of concept and could inform the design of future studies that examine the ability of work environments to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior.