Less sitting and more moving in the office: Using descriptive norm messages to decrease sedentary behavior and increase light physical activity at work

•Provides an experimental examination of norms for physical activity in an office setting.•Examines effects of norms on sedentary behavior in an office setting.•Descriptive norm messages result in increase in stair use and walking behavior.•Descriptive norms result in pre-to post-manipulation decrease in sitting time.

ObjectivesThe sedentary nature of office workplaces is an increasing concern (Marshall & Ramirez, 2011). One avenue through which sedentary behavior may be decreased and beneficial activity increased is through social norms. Previous research (e.g., Priebe & Spink, 2012) has demonstrated that perceptions about others' behavior (i.e., descriptive norms; Cialdini, Reno, & Kallgren, 1990) can influence physical activity. However, it is unclear if descriptive norms can be used to impact sedentary time. This study examined whether descriptive norm messages would impact sedentary behavior and light activity in an office setting. Given the possible importance of personal and contextual characteristics of the norm reference group, a secondary purpose was to examine messages that varied in reference group characteristics.DesignThis study utilized a pre-post experimental design.MethodOffice workers were randomly assigned to receive one of four email messages containing descriptive norms about co-workers’ behavior. Sedentary behavior and activity were measured before and after message receipt.ResultsA repeated measures MANOVA revealed a main effect for time, p   < .001, ηp2ηp2 = .316. Those who received descriptive norm messages about co-workers' lower sedentary behavior and greater stair use and walking decreased their own sitting time while increasing stair use and walking at the office, respectively, p's < .05. No differences emerged between participants receiving information about groups that varied in reference group characteristics, p's > .10.ConclusionResults provide experimental evidence that descriptive norm messages may serve to decrease sedentary and increase light activity in an office setting.