Sit2FIT - from sedentary behaviour to active habits among office workers
Sedentary work is one of the most underestimated health problems of our time. In the EU, an estimated 39% of employees perform their work mainly while sitting, and in Flanders as well, a large share of office workers spend most of the working day seated, while a substantial proportion simultaneously fail to meet the existing physical activity guidelines. This combination not only increases the risk of chronic diseases and musculoskeletal complaints, but also affects work experience, productivity, sickness absence, and employees’ sustainable employability.
Many organizations recognize this challenge and are already investing in initiatives such as ergonomic workstations, active office furniture, or coaching programmes. Yet in practice, only a fraction of employees use these solutions on a sustained basis. The reason is not a lack of resources or intent, but a lack of insight: companies do not know which behavioral determinants drive their employees’ sitting and movement behavior, and therefore cannot make targeted, cost-effective choices.
This challenge aligns directly with the Flemish health objective 'Healthy Generation 2026–2035', in which the workplace is explicitly identified as a crucial setting for sustainable behavior change related to physical activity and the avoidance of prolonged sitting, in line with WHO guidelines. In a context of ageing, labour shortages, and longer careers, the need for workable, healthy, and active work is only growing.
The TETRA project 'Sit2FIT' is based on the conviction that sustainable change is only possible when not only behavior itself, but also the underlying behavioral determinants and the organizational context are understood. The project therefore combines insights from health promotion, behavioral sciences, and implementation research to support organizations in developing an effective and feasible movement strategy in the workplace.
Within Sit2FIT, Hogeschool PXL and Arteveldehogeschool, together with companies, providers of movement solutions, and external prevention services, are developing an integrated methodology that supports organizations in different phases of change. First, a company scan provides insight into current sitting and movement behavior, the relevant behavioral determinants, and the influence of organizational culture. Next, a decision-support tool translates these insights into concrete recommendations and interventions that match the organization’s profile and possibilities. The knowledge gained is then brought together in a practical inspiration guide.
To ensure applicability, the developed tools are tested in pilot organizations. During these implementation trajectories, the project examines which approaches are feasible, which preconditions determine success, and how organizations can be supported to integrate movement structurally into their daily operations. The insights gained are actively disseminated through workshops and webinars to allow the impact to extend beyond the participating organizations.
In this way, Sit2FIT aims to contribute to healthier workplaces, stronger organizations, and broader application of behavioral science insights within prevention and workplace wellbeing.
