SUCCESS STORY
SIT-STAND PILOT PROJECT
Contact Information:
Name: Claire Moen and Kim Ruliffson
Agency: University of North Dakota (UND)
Addresses: See below
Claire S. Moen, RN, BSN, MEd
Worker Compensation Claims Coordinator
University of North Dakota
3851 Campus Road
Stop 9031
Grand Forks, ND 58202
Telephone:
701-777-6232
Fax:
701-777-4132
Email:
claire.moen@und.edu
Kim Ruliffson, MPA
Coordinator of Work Well
University of North Dakota
Wellness Center
801 Wellness Center – Stop 8365
Grand Forks, ND 58202
701-777-0210
701-777-6030
kimberly.ruliffson@und.edu
Sharing Information:
Can we share your contact details with those who would like more details about your initiative/program?
Yes.
The Challenge
What prompted this initiative? What was the problem that needed to be addressed?
Initial data was collected by the College of Nursing students in a Public Health Clinical class in September 2011.
The project was to understand sedentary activity at work. The survey was completed by a convenient sample of
285 employees via an anonymous electronic survey. The data was surprising. A total of 42.5% reported spending 7
or more hours sitting and 90.2% were sitting 4-6 hours during the work day. A total of 55.2% respondents found it
difficult to incorporate movement at work.
Current scientific research has indicated that continuous sitting leads to joint stiffness, loss of function and other
health issues. “Prolonged sitting time, independent of physical activity, has emerged as a risk factor for various
negative health outcomes” (Pronk, et. al, 2012), including cardiovascular disease and diabetes (Katzmarzyt, et. al,
2009). Prolonged sitting time is also related to metabolic syndrome (Hamilton, et. al, 2007) and obesity (Hamilton,
et. al, 2007). “In contrast, breaks in prolonged sitting time have been correlated with beneficial metabolic profiles
among adults, suggesting that frequent breaks in sedentary activity may explain lower health risk related to waist
circumference, body mass index (BMI), triglyceride levels, and 2-hour plasma glucose levels” (Pronk, et. al, 2012).
In addition, the term, “Sitting Disease” (Nelson & Zeratsky, 2012) has been noted in publications and the media to
emphasize that prolonged sitting has a systemic effect on the human body.
A new piece of equipment, sit-stand mounts, offer the opportunity for individuals to work intermittently in
standing and sitting positions throughout the day. The mount is attached to the desk, which allows individuals to
move their monitor(s) and the keyboard from the desk level to a standing level.
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Initiative Summary
Intended Outcomes:
The University contacted the company, Ergotron, to request one unit to test on campus. Ergotron invited UND to
participate in their Uprising Program. This program provided 20 WorkFit units and installation free of charge on
campus. The WorkFit-A uses an adjustable arm for side-to-side and up and down motion (see Display 1 below).
That unit mounts to the side or back of the desk. The WorkFit-S allows for an upward and downward motion and
mounts to the front of the desk (See Display 2 below). There are at least sixteen different WorkFit styles that
accommodate individuals with single monitors, dual monitors, and one monitor and one laptop.
Display 1: WorkFit-A
Images from Ergotron Product Sheet e-05-116-EA, 2/03/2012, www.ergotron.com
Display 2: WorkFit-S
Image from Ergotron Product Sheet: e-05-101-EA, 20/20/2012, www.ergotron.com
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What was done?
The worksite wellness program, Work Well, has 60 Ambassadors in departments and requested any department
with 8-10 people interested in this opportunity to submit the names and office numbers. The original Ergotron
representative suggested that the pilot program works best for those who sit for at least 70% of their work day and
who are in physical proximity to each other to have peer influence in standing. The University investigated and
collaborated with the Office of Safety, Legal Counsel, Purchasing, and Facilities to discuss details of this
intervention. The Coordinator of Worker Compensation Claims, Claire S. Moen, and the Coordinator of Work Well,
Kim Ruliffson, viewed webinars and training information. Claire and Kim began working with another Ergotron
representative to identify 20 individuals who would benefit from the Uprising Program.
The Work Well Coordinator sent a survey to departments, with Ambassadors who initially responded, and
requested data to be completed about space and number of hours employees spend sitting. A final decision was
made to incorporate 2-3 units in multiple departments because no department had 8-10 desk spaces that fit the
initial criteria suggested by Ergotron.
Employees were contacted and if interested would receive the Ergotron if willing to complete a contract. This
contract outlined the expectations: pre and post-assessments over an 8 week period, removal of the mount if it
was not satisfactory and voluntary willingness to share photos and be in videos. The mounts would be allowed to
stay with the employee in that department. If the employee ceased working in the department, the unit would be
re-distributed within the department. If the department could not use the unit, it would be returned to Work Well
to re-distribute to another department. The department would also have to incur future installation charges for
any movement of the mounts within the department. Each contract was signed by supervisors.
Implementation
The units were ordered and delivered to 11 departments on campus. The Ergotron installer arrived to Grand Forks
in June 2013 to provide installation. A number of needs developed including the request for longer cables: 10 foot
DVI and VGA cables, 6 foot USB extensors, and extension cords. Additionally, some units would not fit in some
locations and departments had to find another person to receive the unit. Pre-assessments were administered by
paper and returned to Work Well. The installer returned weeks later to finish installations and adjust any current
installations. Additionally, three promotion products were delivered from Ergotron including an additional WorkFit
unit to install. A number of Facility Management workers witnessed the installations to provide future adjustment
and installation of units.
Photos and videos were collected in fall 2013 and a video was put together. A website with locations of the units,
the video and instructions to order will be shared on the Work Well website (www.und.edu/workwell). There are
a number of other departments that have already purchased units.
Leadership: Supervisors were positive and supportive of the program.
Partnerships: The UND offices of Safety, Wellness, and Facility Management worked together on this pilot project.
Outreach: Initially, the program would have benefitted employees in 2 departments, but the units were dispersed
to 11 units and 21 individuals. Another Division also bought two units that were installed when the Ergotron
employee returned to Grand Forks.
Timeline: The units were made available to selected UND employees in June and July 2013. The post-assessment
was administered in September 2013 electronically by a graduate student, Aleska Hagan at Work Well.
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Challenges and Solution
What was faced and resolved?
An initial challenge, once the program was awarded to UND, was the selection of the individuals to receive the sitstand units. It was expected that units would be desired by a majority of the 2800 benefited employees, yet only
20 were available. The University resolved the issue by starting with departments that had Work Well
Ambassadors to reduce the selection pool and Ergotron representatives helped to refine the selection based on
best results recommended by the company.
A second challenge faced was during installation. It was not clear that extended cables would be needed, but the
installer began work and this issue surfaced. The issues was tackled quickly to not waste the installer’s time by the
coordinator of Work Well contacting various departments and sending a campus email requesting 10 foot DVI and
VGA cables, 6 foot USB extensors, and extension cords through other units sharing extra supplies. The UND
Housing office was able to provide most of the supplies as well as other employees who work with computers and
technology. It would be helpful to have these cables collected prior to installation and Information Technology
folks included for future installations.
Within a short period of the installation of units, an employee preferred the other model because of the extended
tray space for her paper files and spreadsheet documents. A new model was ordered for when the installer
returned and he was able to uninstall the unit and move it to another employee waiting for that model.
An issue developed within a month after installation. The mounts in reception areas in some locations created too
much of a visual barrier for face-to-face contact with individuals who come to the office. To resolve this issue a
couple units were removed and transferred after installation by UND Facilities Management.
Currently, more people want the units. There are no University funds to buy more units unless the department or
college/school has discretionary funds available. It is also a challenge to determine how to fairly and properly
prioritize who should receive future units.
Results
What were the achievements? How did you share with others?
The post assessment showed positive results. Aleska Hagan, graduate student at UND, provided analysis.
Pre-test responses indicated that the average time spent sitting was approximately 88% of the workday. Whereas,
10 weeks after the sit-stand units were installed, post-test responses indicated the average time spent sitting was
approximately 56% of the workday. Furthermore, a comparison of pre-test and post-test indicated that back pain,
headaches, and neck pain were reduced after 10 weeks. Of the participants completing the post-test survey (n= 22
of 23), 71% indicated improved energy, 62% indicate improved concentrations, and 86% indicated improved
feelings about health since having the unit installed.
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Number of Participants Endorsing Pain
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Back Pain
Headaches
Lower Back Pain
Pre-Test
Neck Pain
Post-Test
Experiences of Increased Comfort in the body
since using the Ergotron Mount
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
71.4
52.4
47.7
33.4
23.8
11
10
Neck and
Shoulders
15
7
Lower Back
14.3
5
Hips
3
Legs
Number of Participants
Overall Body
Feet
Percentage of Participants
As a result of being able to alternate between
sitting and standing
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
80.9
71.4
66.7
66.6
61.9
66.6
42.8
38.1
17
15
13
14
8
Number of Participants
14
10
Percentage of Participants
5
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This information will be shared with campus this summer. The data and charts will be entered into a visually
appealing report and shared on the Work Well website: www.und.edu/workwell and linked to Office of Safety and
other web pages to showcase the program and success.
Personal interviews were conducted with over half of the individuals who received an Ergotron. These interviews
were conducted through the UND Safety Office and the statistics tabulated. The individuals were given the
following responses to consider: Great, Good, Questionable, and Negative. There was one negative response and
that Ergotron unit was transferred to another employee. Below are the percentage results of the interviews:
The web and technology specialists who use the WorkFit stations expressed enormous value. The majority of their
work is online and they do not have excessive paper files or hard copy books to keep near the keyboard. Three of
the web programmers requested the tall-user mount to give them additional room for a laptop to be used on the
tray. Some have forgone chairs in the new building and stand the majority of the day when at the computer.
Additional standing mats were purchased by their department to help comfort the body from the change to
standing behavior.
Staff at the Financial Aid office found the unit at the front desk to be particularly helpful because the screen could
be turned to face the person in line to review the screen contents and then moved back to face the employee.
Evaluation
Effectiveness of the initiative?
The units are all still in place with staff and faculty. Some units have been transferred to allow others to use the
work units or because the original awardee decided it was not the best match for them. Additionally, employees
continue to ask for more. Two units were budgeted in the Work Well funds. The Work Well Advisory Board
suggested that the two be awarded at random from the 47 employees who completed the summer survey for the
final promotional products. They were ordered and installed. Other departments have also requested information
to order units including the: Graduate School, Energy and Environmental Research Center, One Stop Shop, and
other individuals.
So far, positive feedback has been received. There is a great deal of anecdotal information of how much having
the option of sitting and standing during the work day is very effective and increases comfort. No injuries have
taken place with individuals using the Ergotron WorkFit units, to date. Testimonials were collected and shared
with the company as a thank you. They are attached.
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Critical Success Factors
What was critical to the success of the initiative?
There was great interest in the original request with over 100 responses from Ambassadors with departments of 810 employees. The concurrent research about excessive sitting was timely and has been raised more awareness of
the concerns for those who spend most of the day working at a computer. The collaborative nature of the
departments was also critical to make this successful. In addition, Information Technology employees, specifically
from the Housing unit and others in Aerospace helped with the cable needs during installations. Claire Moen also
provided ergonomic assessments after installation to assist with posture analysis and structural assessment. In
cases where the WorkFit station did not meet the needs of the user, the units were made available to another
interested party in the department. This initiative couldn’t have happened without the generosity of the company,
Ergotron, through their Uprising Program.
Next Steps:
What were the off shoots from your initiative? (E.g. Did it create other programs, policies, etc.)
To date, the EERC has purchased at least 4 of these units to benefit their employees. Other departments have
requested information for future purchases.
Work Well and Office of Safety plan to share the final version of the pre-post assessment with campus. This report
will be downloadable on the UND website and general tips for ordering future units will also be provided.
It is hoped that grants will be attained for future purchases of the units for more UND employees. It is still unclear
of the best system to allow individuals to be prioritized to receive the units. Currently any employee can request
an ergonomic assessment free of charge from the Office of Safety and can discuss the suitability of having a sitstand unit. Work Well hopes to continue to budget at least 2 units annually to be awarded to staff and faculty.
References:
Hamilton M.T., Hamilton D.G., Zderic T.W. (2007). Role of low energy expenditure and sitting in obesity, metabolic
syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Diabetes, 56(11):2655-67.
Katzmarzyk P.T., Church T.S., Craig C.L., Bouchard C. (May 2009). Sitting time and mortality from all causes,
cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 41(5): 998-1005.
Nelson, J.K. & Zeratsky, K. (July 25, 2012). Do you have ‘sitting disease’? Mayoclinic.org, downloaded from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-blog/sitting-disease/BGP-20056238
on April 14, 2014.
Pronk N.P., Katz A.S., Lowry M., Payfer J.R. (2012). Reducing occupational sitting time and improving worker
health: the Take-a-Stand Project, 2011. Preventing Chronic Disease, 9:110323.
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Testimonials from UND Employees
“I truly enjoy the Ergotron sit-stand unit. It is the best thing since Santa Claus and Cotton Candy and it doesn’t get
better than that. The installer was very knowledgeable and installed the unit in a very timely manner. I have been
saying for years that I wished we could stand and work and my wish was granted.” - UND staff member,
Continuing Education
“A sincere ‘thank you!’ to Ergotron to be able to try out the sit-stand desk! It’s a great tool to lose those midafternoon slumps!” - UND staff member, Accounting Services
“I would like to thank Ergotron for the opportunity to try the sit-stand unit. I think being able to stand while
working is a great health benefit.”- UND staff member, Center for Rural Health
“I think that Ergotron is a very useful tool in my office. It is an extremely easy to use device and definitely helps
increase productivity as I am now able to sit/stand and work at my convenience. I am glad that it holds 2 monitors,
which can be rotated, and that the arm extends the monitor-keyboard setup in any direction and for good distance.
Overall, I am extremely satisfied with Ergotron and would recommend this device to anyone who is concerned with
long term health issues because of constant sitting at the desk. I want to thank Ergotron for the free sit-stand
station and to Steve for all the hard work in getting it setup for use. I think this is very well designed device and is
very easy to use and all the staff in my office have stopped by to try it. I hope they are able to get one for their own
office.”- UND Staff Member, Financial Aid
“I am pleased to be able to use. Standing is a helpful option with pending hip replacement. The installer was great!
Familiar with the benefits of the system. Personable. Good at troubleshooting.” - UND staff member, Safety
“Thank you for providing these units to UND. I feel they will improve many workstations for staff and will benefit
them in many ways- comfort, physical, and productivity.” - UND staff member, Accounting Services
“Thank you for choosing our office to receive two Ergotron units. I am one of the two people using the units and I
really appreciate the opportunity.” - UND staff member, Career Services
“The Ergotron sit-stand unit is great! I feel a lot more energetic at work. I love being able to stand while using my
computer. I also get a great view looking out my window! Thanks for the sit-stand mount! I am so much happier
working in my office now. I stand for much of the day and take sit ‘breaks’ as needed.” - UND staff member, Earth
System Science & Policy
“I love my Ergotron sit/stand station! It is everything I had hoped it would be. I feel better in my shoulders and
elbows. Even my back feels better. Having the opportunity to stand and work at times really is making a difference
for me! I want to thank Ergotron for giving this opportunity to try these units out! They are wonderful! I also have
to tell you how wonderful Steve was to work with! He was very professional and did a super job of making the
station work well in my space. Thank you!!” - UND staff member, Human Resources & Payroll
“I am so thankful to have been chosen to test the Ergotron sit-stand unit. Being a commuter to work, I sit in a car
for 1 hour each way, so being able to stand at work feels good!” - UND staff member, Accounting Services
“So far it is working great. I believe I can tell a difference in how my shoulders feel with keying on the keyboard
down lower. I love being able to stand and do some of my work. Thank you!” - UND staff member, Human
Resources & Payroll
“It’s working out great. It is something that I always hoped for.”- UND faculty member, Chemical Engineering
“Fantastic. Works perfectly for my job!”- NDUS employee, SITS
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