Using citizen science to explore barriers and facilitators for healthy and sustainable lifestyles in office environments

The socio ecological model states that individual behaviors at work are shaped by the interactions between individual employees and their work environments. This study used citizen science to gain insights into which elements of the built, social, and organizational environment in an office and surrounding neighborhoods in two Swedish cities were perceived as barriers to or facilitators of healthy and sustainable behaviors at work. Participants in the eight-week S ustainable Of fice I ntervention pilot study (SOFIA) (n = 33) were cluster-randomized into an experimental arm (sustainable lifestyle) or a control intervention arm (healthy lifestyle). They used the Our Voice Healthy Neighborhood Discovery Tool mobile app to document contextual elements at their workplaces. In total, 114 photos and text-based narratives were recorded, and four themes emerged: built environment, building design, office ergonomics, and food and beverages. Eighteen percent of the photos were linked to pro-environmental behaviors, all exclusively captured by the experimental arm. Twelve barriers and solutions for improving the workplace environment were identified during discussions with participants in both arms. The findings provide insights for designing or renovating office spaces and urban planning to promote healthier and more sustainable lifestyles for office workers. • Workers perceive green areas, sidewalks, stairwells, locker rooms and indoor bike storage as facilitators for active transportation. • Spaces that are convenient and attractive for daily work breaks, recovery, and social interaction promote employee well-being. • Contents of vending machines should focus on healthy choices low in sugar, fat, and salt. • The Our Voice methodology is useful to increase employee engagement and empowerment to improve the workplace environment. • Conflict of interests, i.e., financial gain vs. healthy options, may become a barrier to improving office environments.