The Introduction of an Active Rest Program by Workplace Units Improved the Workplace Vigor and Presenteeism Among Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

The present study was designed to examine the effects of active rest by workplace units on not only workers' individual vigor but also workplace vigor and presenteeism. A total of 130 workers performed our active rest (short-time exercise) program for 10 minutes per day during their lunch breaks, three to four times per week for 8 weeks. Subjects from a workplace unit were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 66) or control (n = 64) groups. The participants' work engagement and Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun) were examined at the baseline and after the 8-week intervention period. After 8 weeks, the intervention group showed improved "vigor" values in work engagement and WFun (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the introduction of active rest program by workplace units provides a viable means for improving workplace vigor and presenteeism.