Wellbeing Work-0ut: Utilisation and comparison of Green Exercise and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as Workplace Interventions for staff at the University of Essex.

Wellbeing Work-0ut was a collaboration between the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences and OH at the University of Essex, using 0% of participant’s personal time. It aimed to compare the effects of three 8-week interventions: Circuit Training, Green Exercise and MBSR on stress (Primary Outcome), self-esteem, mood, general wellbeing and quality of life (Secondary Outcomes) in employees at the University of Essex. Employees (n=37; 9 males, 28 females; Mean Age = 42.8 years, SD = 10.7), either referred by Occupational Health for stress related issues (n=32) or responded to adverts to join the Wellbeing Work-0ut course (n=5) were assigned to their choice of intervention groups: Circuit Training (n=6), Green Exercise (n=16) or MBSR (n=15). Interventions were in 8-week blocks and ran twice, each time with a different group to increase sample size and better facilitate the interventions. This study used multi-methods (quantitative and qualitative), and a mixed-model design (between-subjects factor: intervention; within-subjects factor: time). Self-report questionnaires: PSS, POMS, RSE, SWEMWBS and SF-36 were taken Baseline, Mid and Post Intervention. Observational field notes were taken, transcribed, and reflexive thematic analysis was performed. Participants of all interventions experienced improved psychological outcomes over time, but there were no statistically significant interactions although two had large effect sizes (TMD and MCS - mental component of SF-36). Further, at timepoint 3, there were minimal clinically important differences on: PSS, SWEMWBS and PCS (physical component of SF-36) for Circuit Training; PSS, TMD, SWEMWBS and MCS for Green Exercise; PSS, RSE, TMD, SWEMWBS and MCS for MBSR. Reflexive thematic analysis gives deeper meaning and detail of participants’ positive experiences, enablers and barriers. Interventions overall are still relevant methods of reducing negative psychological health outcomes. Implications for more in-depth study and communication within businesses to make mental health services more prevalent, visible and accessible.