Movement Behaviors and Work Performance Among Japanese Workers With Remote Work Arrangements: The Mediating Role of Stress Responses

Abstract

Purpose

This study examined the associations among movement behaviors, stress responses, and work performance and explored whether stress responses serve as a mediating factor.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Remote work settings.

Sample

A total of 100 workers with remote work arrangements.

Measures

Daily movement behaviors were measured using accelerometers. Stress responses and work performance were assessed using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire and World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire, respectively.

Analysis

Multiple linear regression and mediation analyses were conducted using both unadjusted and adjusted models.

Results

In the adjusted model, higher daily step counts (per 1,000 steps) were significantly associated with lower stress responses (B = −1.03, 95%CI [–1.86, −0.20], P = .02). Stress responses were negatively associated with work performance (B = −0.47, 95%CI [–0.72, −0.21], P < .001). Mediation analysis showed significant indirect effects of daily steps (per 1000 steps) on work performance through stress responses after adjusting for covariates (indirect effect = 0.46, BootSE = 0.25, 95% CI [0.08, 1.03]).

Conclusion

Daily steps were indirectly associated with work performance through stress responses among Japanese workers with remote work arrangements. Encouraging walking and increasing daily movement may enhance occupational mental well-being and productivity in this population.