Environmental correlates of physical activity in Australian workplaces

Abstract

Purpose

The workplace is an ideal setting to promote physical activity. The purpose of this study is to examine associations with physical activity at and around the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were recruited from a random sample of employed adults (n=1,107) in capital cities and major regional centres in Australia. Self‐reported barriers and participation in physical activity at and around the workplace were assessed. A multivariable logistic regression model adjusting for age, sex, occupational status, and overall physical activity assessed the odds of being active in this setting.

Findings

Of participants, 61 percent perceived being active in the workplace. Those who perceived their work colleagues and managers to be physically active, and those who indicated that their workplace provides facilities to support them being active had higher odds of being physically active at or around the workplace.

Research limitations/implications

A poor response rate, physically active sample and cross‐sectional analysis prevent inferences about the causality of the findings.

Originality/value

The paper provides evidence of the potential for the multiple levels of influence on physical activity at and around the workplace.

Citation

Bennie, J., Timperio, A., Dunstan, D., Crawford, D. and Salmon, J. (2010), "Environmental correlates of physical activity in Australian workplaces", International Journal of Workplace Health Management, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 25-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538351011031911