We are excited to share the outcomes of a recent research exchange between the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) in Berlin, Germany, and the Central Institute for Labour Protection–National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB) in Warsaw.
In early October, Dr. Katarzyna Hildt-Ciupińska from CIOP-PIB spent a productive week working with Dr. Janice Hegewald, who leads unit 3.1 ‘Prevention of Work-Related Diseases’ at BAuA. During this time, we launched a valuable joint research project.
A Collaborative Approach to Remote/Hybrid Work Challenges
Together, we developed a protocol for an evidence-based research project examining interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour among remote and hybrid workers. Bringing together our shared interest in occupational health and workplace health promotion, this collaboration combines Hildt-Ciupińska’s expertise in gender-specific health promotion and pedagogical perspective with Unit 3.1’s experience in experimental, observational and evidence-based research methods.
The exchange proved to be a mutually enriching experience. We focused on our shared research interest concerning the interruption and reduction of sitting during sedentary work. The visit also provided an opportunity to explore other ongoing research projects in Unit 3.1, including studies on holistic occupational physician care and the prevention of work-related cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal diseases. One of the highlights was an opportunity to observe preparations for a neurophysiological experiment examining the effect of walking breaks during sedentary office work on cognitive performance, mental wellbeing, and physical wellbeing in the occupational physiology lab.
Future Collaboration
This successful week culminated in the launch of our joint project: ‘Interventions to reduce sitting specifically designed for telework and hybrid work: a systematic review’. The protocol for this review was registered with PROSPERO, and the review will be conducted together in line with this protocol. This project establishes a solid foundation for future collaboration between BAuA and CIOP-PIB in this research area. We look forward to continuing our work together and are grateful to PEROSH and our institutes for facilitating this exchange.
More information
Sebastian Haus-Rybicki <Haus-Rybicki.Sebastian@baua.bund.de>
From left to right: Peter von Löwis, Sylvia Behrendt, Mike Schmidt, Katarzyna Hildt-Ciupińska, Janice Hegewald, Martha Sauter (large box on the screen), Kris Salewski (small box on the screen), Michaela Prigge, Kim-Aljoscha Bressem, Karin Rossnagel, Maleen Hinz, Falk Liebers
