How effective are physical activity interventions in improving health and sedentary behavior of employees in Delhi, India?

Abstract

Our current environment is different from any previous era's surroundings. The need for physical activity in the workplace has indeed increased in recent years. With the rise of sedentary jobs and an overall decrease in physical activity due to technological advancements, there has been a growing recognition of the negative health effects associated with prolonged sitting and a lack of movement during the workday. (Thorp et al., 2011). Due to work demands, some professions, like full-time software developers, may be more susceptible to sedentary behavior.

Sedentary behavior is derived from  Latin word "sedere" which means "to sit"(Owen et al., 2011) , Sedentary behavior refers to activities that involve little to no physical movement and typically require sitting or reclining. (1.0-1.5 METs) (Owen et al., 2011) .Sedentary behavior has also been characterized as excessive sitting rather than insufficient exercise and includes sitting while travelling, at work, and at leisure. Physical activity in the workplace refers to engaging in movement and exercise during work hours. It is becoming increasingly recognized as an important aspect of maintaining overall health and well-being, as sedentary work environments have been linked to various health issues.

Sedentary behavior has been extensively researched from a scientific standpoint over the previous decade. As a result, it has emerged as a new health risk factor. It is critical to assess the prevalence of sedentary behavior since excessive sedentary behavior has been linked to an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.(de Rezende et al., 2014; Mañas et al., 2017), metabolic syndrome, (Thorp et al., 2011)

Workplaces play a crucial role in promoting well-being among employees in the twenty-first century. The impact of workplaces extends beyond just the physical aspects and encompasses various dimensions of employees' lives, including their emotional, economic, and social well-being, as well as the well-being of their families.

Promoting physical exercise has considerable advantages for both the employee and the organization. Physically active employees can provide considerable tangible benefits to the organization, such as lower absence expenses, lower employee turnover, and increased productivity. (Dallat et al., 2013). Intangible benefits include increased staff morale, engagement, and a good attitude towards the 'caring' organization. As a result, many organizations now see encouraging physical activity as an extra work perk.