The main findings of the BeUpstanding trial have now been published!
You can read the scientific paper here, see a summary of the findings in the video, or read more about it below.
Evaluating BeUpstanding in a world-first implementation trial
The evidence-based BeUpstanding program has been iteratively developed and tested across multiple phases in collaboration with end users and key policy and practice stakeholder. A key phase of this process was the national implementation trial of the program. From June 2019 to September 2021, we recruited desk-based teams from across Australia into trial, which was funded through the NMMRC Partnership Project grant scheme, and supported by our partners: Safe Work Australia, Comcare, Queensland Office of Industrial Relations, The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), and Healthier Workplace Western Australia. For teams, the main feature of taking part in the trial (as distinct from using the program independently) was committing to the evaluation steps and receipt of expert health coaching support to deliver the program via email and phone calls. Trial teams were also followed up at 1-year after running the program. In the trial, we were interested in questions such as:
- What is the uptake of the program among workplaces and staff?
- How effective is BeUpstanding at changing behaviour and enhancing workplace culture around sitting less and moving more?
- How much does it cost?
Who took part in the trial?
We had champions from over 100 workplaces sign up and start the program, and over 2000 staff taking part in the evaluation. Workplaces were from 13 different industries, from every state and territory across Australia, and included both small and large organisations, and those in rural and regional areas. The map below showcases the location of our teams who consented into the trial.
What did we find?
We found that BeUpstanding works – reducing workplace sitting by an average of 38 minutes each workday as well as positively impacting the culture around moving more. We also saw reduced musculoskeletal discomfort and increased energy levels. Common strategies that teams chose included standing meetings and encouraging workers to leave their desk for lunch. Most staff enjoyed taking part in BeUpstanding and 96% of our champions intended to continue or repeat the program.
Over 80% of champions spent either nothing or less than $5 per team member on the program.
Notably, the trial took place during two significant events for workplace health and safety – the black summer bushfires (July 2019 to February 2020) and the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-). Although the trial was impacted in terms of recruitment and retention of some teams, it also helped to showcase that BeUpstanding works – no matter where your team is working.
What next?
If you are a follower of this blog, you would know that we have been busy using the learnings from the trial to build BeUpstanding 2.0, which we will be launching in 2025. We are seeking funding opportunities and partnerships to continue to provide BeUpstanding and would love to hear from you if your are interested in learning more.
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