Exploring the Link Between Office Workstation Design and Physiological Stress: A PRISMA Systematic Review

While psychological stress in relation to the physical workplace environment is well-researched, physiological stress is relatively underexplored. This systematic literature review explores the relationship between workstation design and biomarkers of physiological stress among office workers. Since physiological stress biomarkers overlap with cardiometabolic health, this paper reevaluates current research on how workstation design influences cardiometabolic health and evaluates findings through the lens of physiological stress. Using PRISMA guidelines, papers were sourced from Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases, focusing on primary research. 54 papers were highlighted as relevant during phase one screening for title and abstract review, reduced to 20 papers included for analysis following full review. Research findings suggest that workstation design characterised by poor ergonomics, promoting sedentary behaviour or inactivity, is associated with a decline in cardiometabolic health and potentially an increase in physiological stress. These effects are evidenced by deterioration in cardiometabolic fitness, increased muscle tension, suboptimal posture, and heightened activity within the sympathetic nervous system. Findings suggest that deterioration of cardiometabolic health may increase acute stress reactivity, promote the activation of chronic stress and diminish overall resilience against physiological stress. Conversely, active or ergonomic workstations, such as sit-stand desks and active chairs, promote improved cardiometabolic health, posture, muscle activation, physical activity, and may potentially indicate reductions in physiological stress. These findings suggest that workstations that can reduce sedentary behaviours, promote physical activity, and improve posture may reduce the immediate effects of physiological stress and enhance long-term resilience. However, studies are generally constrained by heterogeneity and unsuitable study designs to comprehensively assess the impacts of physiological stress. Despite promising indications that active workstations may mitigate physiological stress, further research is imperative to elucidate these observations. This review offers insights that may help workplace designers create environments that better support employee health and well-being