Work

Tracking Workplace Health Engagement: Insights from “SDU Moves”

Year: 2025

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: SDU Moves is a workplace health initiative promoting physical activity among employees at the University of Southern Denmark. The program is based on co-creation, with employees designing and leading activities, and contributing to both science and practice, thus building on inclusion, contribution, and dialogue. Using four annual surveys (2020–2023), we tracked trends in participation, motivation, health, and experienced barriers, data which is returned to employees through communication and used to guide further development. Despite strong interest in being physically active, participation remained stable, and willingness to engage declined significantly (chi2 < 0.001). Self-rated health and perceived workday flexibility also declined (chi2 = 0.003). The most cited barrier was lack of time, followed by unclear policies and limited social support. These results suggest that while interest in physical activity persists, organizational and cultural factors may limit sustained engagement. The study highlights how structured citizen-generated data can inform strategic health efforts and underscores the need for supportive environments and clear communication to ensure impact.

Source: University of Southern Denmark Research Portal (University of Southern Denmark)