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Physical activity and unplanned illness-related work absenteeism: Data from an employee wellness program

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  • Elena Losina
  • Heidi Y Yang
  • Bhushan R Deshpande
  • Jeffrey N Katz
  • Jamie E Collins

Abstract

Background: Illness-related absenteeism is a major threat to work productivity. Our objective was to assess the relationship between physical activity and unplanned illness-related absenteeism from work. Methods: We implemented physical activity program for sedentary non-clinician employees of a tertiary medical center. Financial rewards were available for reaching accelerometer-measured ambulatory physical activity goals over a 24-week period. We categorized participants into three groups based on mean levels of physical activity: low (0–74 min/week), medium (75–149 min/week) and meeting CDC guidelines (≥150 min/week). We built a multivariable Poisson regression model to evaluate the relationship between physical activity and rates of unplanned illness-related absenteeism. Results: The sample consisted of 292 employees who participated in the program. Their mean age was 38 years (SD 11), 83% were female, and 38% were obese. Over the 24 intervention weeks, participants engaged in a mean of 90 min/week (SD 74) of physical activity and missed a mean of 14 hours of work (SD 38) due to illness. Unplanned absenteeism due to illness was associated with physical activity. As compared to the group meeting CDC guidelines, in multivariable analyses those in the medium physical activity group had a 2.4 (95% CI 1.3–4.5) fold higher rate of illness-related absenteeism and those in the lowest physical activity group had a 3.5 (95% CI 1.7–7.2) fold higher rate of illness-related absenteeism. Discussion: Less physical activity was associated with more illness-related absenteeism. Workforce-based interventions to increase physical activity may thus be a promising vehicle to reduce unplanned illness-related absenteeism.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Losina & Heidi Y Yang & Bhushan R Deshpande & Jeffrey N Katz & Jamie E Collins, 2017. "Physical activity and unplanned illness-related work absenteeism: Data from an employee wellness program," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(5), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0176872
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176872
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Baicker, Katherine & Cutler, David M. & Song, Zirui, 2010. "Workplace Wellness Programs Can Generate Savings," Scholarly Articles 5345879, Harvard University Department of Economics.
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    1. Carolina Castaño & Regina Dominguez & Rocio Romero & Diana Saldarriaga & Raimundo Castro-Orozco, 2018. "Absenteeism and Associated Factors in Workers of a High-Level Educational Institution, Cartagena-Colombia," Global Journal of Health Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 10(12), pages 136-136, December.
    2. Rune Bjerke, 2020. "Towards a HR Framework for Developing a Health-Promoting Performance Culture at Work: A Norwegian Health Care Management Case Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-20, December.

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