Assistant Professor of Wellness Erica Thomas presents research at the Society of Behavioral Medicine National Conference in Washington, D.C.
Assistant Professor of Wellness Erica Thomas recently presented her research titled, "Measuring Physical Activity Culture and Basic Needs at the Workplace."
The poster was presented at the Society of Behavioral Medicine National Conference in Washington, D.C. Co-authors were Nathan McCaughtry, Jeffrey Martin, Noel Kulik and Mariane Fahlman, all of Wayne State University.
The purpose of this study was to examine if employee perceptions of the workplace physical activity (PA) culture predict PA behavior and PA attitudes, as mediated by three basic psychological needs (i.e. autonomy, relatedness and competence).
Physical activity levels of adults are low, and workplaces were identified as an ideal place to promote physical activity . Many employers offer at least one type of PA opportunity as part of their broader worksite wellness programs. However, participation in the PA components of worksite wellness programs is low. Self Determination Theory (SDT) has been used to guide both PA and worksite wellness research, but not both together. Culture has been linked to positive workplace behaviors, but not to PA behavior specifically.
Both salaried (N= 237) and hourly (N=309) employees who have access to PA opportunities at work through worksite wellness programs, completed an online survey that measured: the 3 SDT needs and support for PA; social support for PA, PA norms, PA importance; and PA behavior and PA attitudinal variables. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to examine the measurement and structural models.
Results show: 1) Participants meet CDC PA recommendations, they value PA, view PA as a priority and see the benefits of PA, 2) Employees feel confident in their capabilities, but did not feel supported in participating in PA at work, and 3) Employees felt their employer does not hold PA in the highest regard. Needs assessment of workplace health behavior culture should be utilized before the implementation of workplace wellness initiatives. Employers may be implementing PA programming, but the culture may not support use of available programming. Further analysis needs to be done to create a comprehensive PA culture measure.