Do work-site exercise and health programs work?
review · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 20086697.
- Also identified by DOI 10.3810/psm.1999.02.667.
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Abstract
Studies of high-profile work-site wellness programs suggest a number of important advantages for sponsoring corporations. Participants report greater wellness and enhanced productivity. Objective data suggest that programs (1) chiefly attract employees with a favorable attitude toward both work and health, (2) reduce absenteeism and employee turnover, (3) produce a small increase in productivity, and (4) reduce healthcare costs. Meta-analysis provides limited evidence of program-related changes in physical activity, aerobic fitness, and cardiac risk factors. The cumulative benefit has been estimated at $500 to $700 per worker per year, enough to cover the cost of a modest wellness program. The big challenge is to sustain long-term participation.