Research Design Connection: Open Bench Seating – Stress and Activity Implications
Researchers linked working in open bench seating areas to users’ daytime stress (perceived and physiological) and activity levels. A group led by Casey Lindberg determined that: “Workers in open office seating had less daytime stress and greater daytime activity levels compared to workers in private offices and cubicles…That greater physical activity at the office was related to lower physiological stress during after-work hours outside the office…The study evaluated 231 people who work in federal office buildings and wore stress and activity sensors around the clock for three workdays and two nights…workers in open bench seating arrangements were 32 percent more physically active at the office than those in private offices and 20 percent more active than those in cubicles. Importantly, workers who were more physically active at the office had 14 percent less physiological stress outside of the office compared to those with less physical activity at the office” [quote …
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