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Standing Desk Wellbeing Analysis : The Effects of Standing Desks and Greenery in the Workplace

University of British Columbia. Sustainability Office; University of British Columbia. Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability

The primary focus of this study was to investigate the effects of standing desk usage and exposure to greenery in the workplace at the University of British Columbia (UBC). We specifically focused on how these two independent variables interacted with happiness, productivity, social connectedness, and well-being among employees in the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS) on UBC campus. Our results were based on data collected via self-report questionnaire, Stroop Test trials, and a blood pressure/heart rate monitor. Participants were divided into three conditions depending on the set-up of their work station: 1) use of a standing desk and visual exposure to greenery (Desks and Plants) , 2) no use of a standing desk but with visual exposure to greenery (Plants Only), and 3) neither standing desk nor greenery (No Desks or Plants). Ultimately, we found that those who use standing desks and who are exposed to plant life are slightly more likely to report higher levels of well-being in all respects. However, these differences were not significant enough for us to confidently conclude that these two independent variables have a distinct psychological or physical benefit among employees. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”

Report

eng

2018-11-22

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/67866

UBCV

Undergraduate

DSpace